College bids farewell to top teacher

JANE FOX, retiring after 32 years at Hathershaw College

AFTER 32 years of teaching at Hathershaw College, it's time for Jane Fox to put down the marker, step away from the whiteboard and take it easy.

Maths teacher Jane, who is also in charge of child protection at the school, is officially retiring today and will be sorely missed by all at the Bellfield Avenue school.

Jane (57) initially started at Hathershaw College in 1984, teaching English to pupils who had arrived from the Indian subcontinent. Since then she has also been a head of year.

Jane said: "It has been challenging but rewarding as well.

"It's nice to see children coming out the other side of difficult times.

"The staff have been amazing and supporting, as they always are at Hathershaw. That's why I stayed so long.

"The staff are good and care so much for the kids. They made the job as easy as it could have been."

Originally from Todmorden, Jane moved to Oldham in 1981 when she got married. Before working at Hathershaw, she taught English at what was then the multicultural, educational and language service in Oldham.

Although she disliked maths at school, her colleagues in the maths department were supportive, making it easier for her to teach the subject.

Jane lives in Denshaw with husband David (60) ­- the couple have two children and a granddaughter.

Family

She wants to spend more time with her family and friends, as well as continuing to sing for Saddleworth Sing For Pleasure and Oldham Choir.

"It's the right time to go for me," said Jane.

"I can't believe it has been 32 years. It certainly has not felt like it.

"Hathershaw and the staff have seen me through massive things in life.

"They have supported me so much, the families as well as children.

"It's lovely to have taught different generations of families. They have sent their children back here, which is tremendous for the school.

"I will miss it, undoubtedly. I will miss the children and I will certainly miss the staff."