‘She’s such a great teacher’

Cath Delaney was stunned to be presented with the special award after giving a farewell speech to pupils and staff at St John’s Primary School.

Year 6 pupils Bethany O’Brien, Chloe Turner and Holly Wolstenholme nominated her for the Rose to mark her retirement following 33 years at the school.

Mrs Delaney said receiving the Rose was the perfect end to an amazing and fulfilling time teaching at St John’s.

“This has just been the icing on the cake. I feel really and proud to have been nominated - this is a very special moment for me,” she said.

Mrs Delaney began teaching at St John’s Primary School and said she has seen many changes in that time - from it growing from small beginnings to what it is today.

“A lot of the children who I taught now have children of their own in school so I have seen many generations come through and have made lots of close friends with people.”

“I have so many happy memories from going on residential visits to successful years coaching the girls’ cricket team.”

Mrs Delaney said she played M People’s Proud during last week’s assembly to show the pupils how she felt.

“That’s how they have all made me feel to work here - proud,” she said.

“I am really going to miss it here but I am very much looking forward to retiring at the same time as my husband, and doing more gardening and seeing my husband.”

Pupils Bethany, Chloe and Holly said Mrs Delaney’s dedication to the school deserved to be recognised.

Said Bethany: “She’s a really good teacher and she deserves something for her after all these years.”

Said Chloe: “She’s always there for you and if you have a problem you can actually talk to her.”

Added Holly: “She always makes our lessons fun and you actually learn something - she will be really missed.”