Stalwart at St Michael's Primary retires after 23 years

Pupil support assistant Joan McVey is retiring after 23 years working in the Port Glasgow school, but her association stretches all the way back to her own childhood.

The  gran-of-five first started in St Michael's as a five-year-old pupil and since then two more generations of her family have gone there - first her daughters and then her grandchildren.  

It was a real family affair as teachers and pupils surprised her with a special presentation, including her own grandson Jacob and grand-daughter Daisy Caldwell.

Emotional Joan, who also turned 61 on the same day, said: "I leave with mixed feelings. I have loved my time working here in St Michael's and I will miss everyone. 

"I have been here as a pupil, a parent and worked here. It is a wonderful school and we are a real family here. It is a very close knit school.

"My daughters Siobhan and Louise went here and three of my grandchildren.

"But I will still be doing the school pick-up and I will be in and out visiting."

Joan McVey with her grandchildren Daisy and Jacob Caldwell (Image: Duncan Bryceland)

Joan was working in the education department when she decided to go into the classroom.

She said: "At that time they were taking on lots of classroom assistants. I wanted to do something hands on and I have never regretted it. I love working with the children and it is so rewarding."

Head teacher Colette Wallace told the Tele she was very sad to see Joan go.

Pupils were too - and representatives from every class in the school came along to hand over a farewell card, flowers and gifts.

Mrs Wallace said: "I have worked with Joan for 10 years and she is wonderful.

"It is going to be a big change for us without her, she is very much part of the school. We wish her all the very best.

"We are a very family-focused school and Joan was at the heart of that. She didn't want a fuss but we couldn't let her go without letting her know how much she will be missed."

Grand-daughter Daisy, aged seven, who was at the presentation along with her big brother Jacob, 10, said: "I will miss her so much but we are lucky because we still get to see her after school and in the holidays."

Pupil Lola Hemphill added: "We will miss Mrs McVey so much, she is so lovely and always helps us."

Joan was surprised with a special message from Bishop John Keenan thanking her for her devotion to the school and the pupils.

He said: "You have built a strong connection with the school as a member of staff, as well as a parent and grandparent.

"Working with many children and supporting them with love and kindness and accompanying them on their faith journey, you have known the personal joy of  watching them grow and develop as young people in virtue and faith."