Dunbar Grammar School bids farewell to six members of staff with a combined 120 years of service

While many pupils were waving goodbye to the school for the last time as the holidays began, staff were also bidding farewell to a number of colleagues.

Among those departing were Fionna Payton, Irene Duncanson, John Bain, Susan Aitken, Michael Graven and John Peebles, who between them have been at the school for about 120 years.

Claire Slowther, headteacher, wished her now-former colleagues well.

She said: “This year is a bumper year for Dunbar Grammar School retirements.

“It is so sad to say farewell to so many fabulous members of staff.

“As a school community, we have been so fortunate to have these incredible, dedicated, caring and hardworking members of staff.

“We wish them all the best as they move on to the next, exciting phase of their lives.”

The longest serving of the retiring members of staff is classroom assistant Mrs Duncanson.

She said: “I feel privileged to have been part of Dunbar Grammar School for 27 years.

“For six years, I was a member of the school’s PTA whilst my own children attended the school.

“I’ve loved this job.

“I love children and I really like supporting them.

“It’s so rewarding: I have also had lots of fun and laughter along the way!

“It is hard to say farewell to all of the amazing staff and pupils. I will really miss them.”

Also with more than 20 years of service to the school is Mr Peebles.

Mrs Slowther was quick to say a few words about the FES janitor, who was looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren.

She said: “I would like to add that he is one of the happiest, most cheerful people who went above and beyond for staff and students at Dunbar Grammar School.

“Nothing was ever too much bother for John and he always made us laugh and smile.”

Support for learning teacher Mrs Payton started at the school in February 2003, having previously worked at Anderson High School in Shetland.

She moved to the area when her husband began working in Edinburgh and said: “I have enjoyed my time at Dunbar Grammar School, working with people who work hard to help students realise their potential.

“I am planning to take it easy for a couple of months then perhaps spend some time exploring Europe by train, enjoy time with my wider family and spend time supporting local charities.”

English teacher Ms Aitken has been at the school for about the same period of time.

She said: “I first came here as a student teacher and the minute I walked in I felt at home. Almost 20 years later, regretfully, I think it is time to go.

“Getting to know so many pupils and staff has been a privilege – and lots of fun.

“Making a giant dragon in Puppet Club for the School of Ambition year was a memorable highlight, but the real thing that makes Dunbar Grammar so special and so hard to leave is the friendliness and good humour of the pupils and staff alike.

“As an English teacher, I don’t see this as the end of my career, just the beginning of a new chapter involving taking care of my grandchild and having time to explore the world.”

Mr Bain has been a religious and moral education teacher at the school for 16 years, having previously worked at Preston Lodge High School for six years.

He singled out some best bits during his time at the school and said: “Making life-long friends, school trips to Samye Ling Buddhist Centre, battlefields, being a part of Breakfast Club, five-a-side football, staff golf, end-of-term nights out, driving the Santa bus, free gym access.

“Teaching has been the most fulfilling career I have ever had. The pupils in general responded well to RMPS (religious, moral and philosophical studies).”

Finally, the school’s business manager Michael Graven has retired after 17 years at the school.

Mr Graven had previously worked for Lothian Health Board and East Lothian Council.

He told the Courier he was undecided what the future held, although he planned to complete a tour of Scotland.

He summed up his time at the school: “Friendly, dedicated staff with the kids’ welfare at heart – the busiest, most demanding place I have ever worked but very rewarding.”