'I couldn't have wished for a better job!' – Wolverhampton teaching assistant retires after more than 40 years
A teaching assistant has said a fond farewell after working at a Wolverhampton primary school for more than four decades.
Marian McConnell retired on January 26 after around 46 years of working at St Patrick's Catholic Primary Academy in Wednesfield.
The 66-year-old joined the Graiseley Lane school in 1978 as a nursery nurse before eventually becoming a teaching assistant, working with youngsters aged five and up.
Marian, who lives in Willenhall, celebrated her last day at the school with a farewell assembly attended by pupils, teachers and former colleagues, which was made doubly special as it also marked her birthday.
The retired teaching assistant said the day was something she would never forget.
She said: "It was the best day ever and something I will remember for the rest of my life.
"I absolutely loved my job, the people I worked with and the children. Each day was different – you never knew what each day was going to bring.
"I couldn't have wished to be in a better job. I just loved everything about St Patrick's. I wouldn't have wanted to do anything else.
"I wish the school all the best for the future. The kids are amazing and the Head Teacher, Sophia Mulrooney, is brilliant."
Marian said she is now looking forward to spending time with her partner, Ray Jinks, and catching up on her beloved jigsaw puzzles.
She added: "I will take a step back now and catch up on all of the things I want to do like holidays.
"My partner is retiring in March, so we will have more time together to go out and about doing things."
Sophia Mulrooney, Principal at St Patrick's Catholic Academy, expressed her gratitude to Marian for her many years of service.
She said: "A massive thank you for all of Marian's hard work and dedicated over the years.
"She will be missed by everyone. She is the go-to person who will always fill in for anyone who is away. She will be missed dearly."
