School's permanently out for long-serving teacher

Vivien Cunningham and Year 4 pupils who also left the school this week. Picture by Jane Coltman.

Vivien Cunningham spent 16 years at St Robert’s RC First School in Oldgate – 10 years as a teacher and the following six as head.

Those leaving St Robert’s on the final day of the school year this week also included classroom assistant Marion Mack, who has worked there for 13 years, and the Year 4 students.

St Robert's RC First School teaching assistant Marion Mack, who is leaving after 13 years at the Morpeth school. Picture by Jane Coltman.

Mrs Cunningham said that as well as ensuring pupils progress academically, the school’s ethos encourages them to become thoughtful, kind, considerate and forgiving young people.

She added: “It has been a wonderful final day. I have been overwhelmed by the kind messages from parents thanking myself and the other staff for nurturing and developing their children, and I’m grateful for all the well wishes and gifts.

“I would like to thank staff, governors, parents and parishioners, along with our partner schools in Morpeth and the Northumberland Catholic partnership, for their support over the years.

“Our Year 4 pupils have flourished during their time at the school and we wish them all the best as they move on to their new schools.

“They showed great confidence to deliver an excellent assembly last Friday and there were many positive comments about their singing at Mass today.”

She also paid tribute to Mrs Mack, describing her as an “outstanding and very dedicated classroom assistant”.