32 years of care and commitment celebrated at Staverton Primary
Staverton Primary School is celebrating its much loved Wraparound Care and Lunchtime Assistant, Dawn Higgs, being awarded a Long Service Award this term after an incredible 32 years spent with the school!
Dawn’s personal connection to the school spans decades. She was among the very first pupils to attend when it opened in the 1960s, before returning in 1994 as a lunchtime volunteer while her son was a pupil. When a member of staff left, Dawn stepped in to help and was soon offered the role by the headteacher.
Describing the school as a “second home”, Dawn said it is “one big happy family who would do anything to care for one another”.
The award was presented during a surprise assembly. Dawn was met at reception by a colleague and kept occupied with questions while pupils gathered in the hall. Although she suspected something was unusual, she was still surprised when she was called to the front, where headteacher Ruth Nelmes presented her with gifts and a well-earned day off.
Reflecting on her time at the school, Dawn said: “There are simply too many memories to choose a favourite. There are moments that warm my heart, like when the children of pupils I taught 20 or 30 years ago now join the school, or bumping into six-foot young men in Tesco who wave and say ‘hello Mrs Higgs’. I could never pick just one.”
Ruth Nelmes, Headteacher, said: “For many of our children, Dawn is the first member of staff they see in the morning and the last they say goodbye to at night. The importance of this is not lost on us. Every day for more than 32 years she has ensured pupils start their day happy and ready to learn and go home calm and in good spirits.
“She has supported countless children over the years, all of whom I am sure look back on their time with her with great fondness. Thank you, Dawn, for the difference you have made to so many children’s lives at Staverton CE Primary. We hope you enjoy celebrating your incredible milestone – it is richly deserved!”
What lies ahead for Dawn? Well, another 30 years at Staverton is not out of the question!
She has said she will stay for as long as the school will have her and given the lasting impact she has on children’s lives, it is hard to imagine her going anywhere anytime soon.