A woman who has spent her working life showing ‘endless kindness’ and ensuring children feel safe and happy is retiring tomorrow after 28 years at a Stevenage primary school.

The Comet: Marion Flavelle (second from left) saying goodbye to staff and pupils at Camps Hill Community Primary School in Stevenage.Marion Flavelle (second from left) saying goodbye to staff and pupils at Camps Hill Community Primary School in Stevenage. (Image: Archant)

Marion Flavelle began her career at Camps Hill Primary School in Chells Way supporting children in the classroom, before taking up the role of pastoral care manager.

Headteacher Emma Flawn said: “With Marion’s ability to apply empathy in bucketloads, endless kindness and a solution-based practical approach, she was a natural choice to safeguard the children’s and their parents’ wellbeing.

“The school ethos is to work with the whole child and family in a holistic way.

“We recognise that unless a child feels happy and safe, at home and at school, that the learning, progress and achievement will not be as successful as it could be.

The Comet: Retiring pastoral manager Marion Flavelle with pupils at Camps Hill Community Primary School in Stevenage.Retiring pastoral manager Marion Flavelle with pupils at Camps Hill Community Primary School in Stevenage. (Image: Archant)

“Marion has been a key element in delivering this service to the community at Camps Hill, and will be greatly missed by everyone.”

During her time at Camps Hill, Mrs Flavelle has delivered parenting courses, run protective behaviours sessions and social interventions groups, developed personalised behaviour programs and supported children in care and their carers.

A number of events are being held tomorrow to celebrate Mrs Flavelle’s time at Camps Hill and to give the school’s community the opportunity to thank her – including a parent and carer breakfast, a special assembly, and a tea party with current and former staff and parents.

Mrs Flawn said: “Her compassion, kindness and desire to help children feel happy and safe has been felt throughout our community.

“Over the years, Mrs Flavelle has administered thousands of tissues, countless cups of tea, numerous good news books for many a family and supported many on their journey – staff included.

“It is people that make a school, not the buildings, and we are sure that Marion’s wisdom will continue to live on at Camps Hill.

“The children, governors and I take this opportunity to thank Marion for her commitment to the community of Camps Hill, and know that in her 28 years she has fulfilled her dream of making a difference and improving the outcomes for the children of Stevenage.”