TWO teachers at Moredon Primary School are teaching their final classes this week before they enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

Hazel Merryfield and Jane Alexander enjoyed a get-together at the school on Friday to which was held for them to celebrate their time there and give fond farewells to colleagues, parents, governors and pupils.

Hazel has taught at the school for 30 years, mainly working with its Year 6 pupils.

The 66-year-old from West Swindon said: “I’ve loved my time here, it’s like another family. There’s a real sense of belonging and there’s people at this party that I haven’t seen for years.

“I’m teaching children of children I used to teach because a lot of people stay in the area, so I’ve seen generations of families and extended families come through here.”

Hazel realised she wanted to teach from an early age.

She added: “I’ve had some pretty inspiring teachers through my education and it became something that I really wanted to do.”

Jane Alexander was similarly inspired to pursue a career in teaching.

Jane, 57, from Ashton-Keynes, said: “I loved school when I was little, I went home after my first day and said ‘I’m going to be a teacher, mum’.

“It’s very fulfilling and it’s a job I’m very proud of, it’s so varied that there’s things to love about it every single day.”

Jane has taught at the school for 18-and-a-half years, mainly working with the Key Stage 1 pupils.

She added: “You’re privileged in this job, you shape children’s lives.

“I’ve seen lots of old colleagues here from way back when, we were a special group of friends.

“I’m looking forward to doing lots of home-based things like gardening and also artistic, creative projects like handicrafts and sewing.”

Hazel said: “We have a memorable moment every year when we do our year 6 production, as we’re watching all the children on the stage that we have seen grow and mature and they’re up there singing and acting.”

“The parents come up and say ‘I never thought I’d see them do that.’

“It’s great to give the kids the confidence to do it.”

They both taught at the school’s previous campus several years ago when the nursery and primary school were separate.

Hazel said: “I’ve seen a lot of changes during my career and some of my colleagues have been with me for many years, but it’s time to go now.

“I’m looking forward to retiring but after all my years of teaching it will be very different, though I like that I can take holidays during term time now!

“You can’t just walk away from this after 30 years so I’ll be coming back to help out now and again.”

Jane added: “It’s hard to say goodbye but the lovely thing about this place is you can always come back, as long as you bring cake!”