PAULINE Lynch first walked through the doors of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Primary School more than half a century ago.
Having started at the age of four in January 1961, she went on to become a teacher and then head of the Catholic school.
Having left twice before, tomorrow will be her last day before retirement.
She said: "I have a long history in this school. I am going to miss it and certainly will miss the pupils.
"I have had a wonderful time here, as a pupil, a teacher and now as the head."
Pauline is one of several school staff retiring as the school breaks up for the summer.
Our Lady was her first teaching job at the end of the 1970s. She left to go to Holy Cross Primary in Hucknall as deputy head before gaining her first headship in Shirebrook.
She returned in the top job at Our Lady, in Piccadilly, Bulwell, in 2000 and has remained there since.
For two years, she has worked alongside Celine Toner as co-head. Mrs Toner takes sole charge from September.
Mrs Lynch, 58, added: "I'm sure she will do a great job. This is a wonderful community school. I taught some of the parents of the children who are here now.
"I just felt that this is the right time to go.
"Things in education have changed a lot over the years. Obviously technology is one big change, with us now using iPads. Academies are also a major change."
Mrs Lynch had a celebratory mass at the school on July 11 to mark her retirement. More than 300 people, including past pupils and staff and members of the Catholic community, attended.
She was presented with a diamond necklace bearing the school's initials.
Mrs Toner said: "She will be a hard act to follow. I was deputy head for seven years before working with her as joint head. She has been a very good mentor. I feel confident that from September we can continue the good work we do here at the school."
The school is rated "good with outstanding features" by Ofsted.
And the pupils said they were also going to miss their head teacher.
Alex McDonald, ten, whose dad was taught by Mrs Lynch, said: "She is really nice. She always has a smile on her face and that makes you feel good about yourself, even on difficult days."
Sophie McNiffe, nine, added: "The school won't be the same without her.
"She is very friendly. She praises you if you do well and she makes you feel better when you are not doing well.
"We are all going to miss her here."
Have you got a story to tell about your school? E-mail marcus.boocock@nottinghampost.com
