Fond farewell to dedicated Jacksdale school volunteer who leaves after 20 years service

Staff at Jacksdale Primary School said that Alison Jenkins has been ‘a ray of sunshine’ but she will no longer be able to help out when she moves away from the area to Yorkshire in the near future.

A special assembly was held for her on her last day on Thursday to say goodbye and let her know how much she will be missed.

Teacher Julia Gray said: “During her 20 years at Jacksdale Primary School, Miss Jenkins has done everything.

“She has supported so many children in their learning, working with small groups of children, listening to the children read, painting activities, playing games - the list is endless.

“She knows all the staff value and appreciate all that she has done and that’s why she has been with us for so long.

“We really feel she has become one of the staff.”

Miss Jenkins, who lives in Selston and is a wheelchair user, has been helping out at the school for two days a week on a completely voluntary basis.

When she first started 20 years ago she used to help children in the nursery choose reading books and she shared stories with them.

She then moved into the school, helping out in the year one class with Mrs Gray.

On her last day, a whole school assembly was held in her honour.

Pupils sang two hymns because Miss Jenkins enjoys singing and listening to the children sing.

Six children then stood up and recalled a memory of a time that Miss Jenkins had worked with them and what they had done together.

She was presented with a thank you card that contained a photo of all the children in the school and the staff then presented her with gifts to show their appreciation for her hard work.

Headteacher Peter Stonier paid tribute to Miss Jenkins and her commitment and dedication to helping the school and finished off by saying that she was welcome to visit at any time.

Miss Jenkins’ mum also attended the assembly which Mrs Gray said was very touching for her, hearing all the amazing things said about her daughter.

Mrs Gray added: “Miss Jenkins has been a ray of sunshine and helped so many children in her time at Jacksdale and also been a good friend to all the staff.

“We will all miss her so much, from the bottom of our hearts, but we all wish her well in her move.

“We know the staff, children and parents of Jacksdale Primary School will miss her. She is such a very special lady.”