My period of tenure as Headteacher in Ardrossan Academy has lasted six and a half years. It is the culmination of a thirty-six year career, begun in August 1976, and has possibly been my happiest years in teaching. My mother's two sisters and one brother were all modern linguists and headteachers, so it was something of a family tradition when I joined their ranks.

Youngsters in all the schools I have worked: Kilwinning, Ayr, Maybole, Largs and now Ardrossan, have always made me smile. Their perception and, sometimes incisive thinking, have left me wide-eyed at times. Others have saddened me because of the difficult circumstances they have had to endure. Almost always, however, their courage provides a salutary lesson for those of us who risk being complacent.

I loved the added value of building relationships with them on school trips, to Italy, France, Germany and the Netherlands as well as the cinema and theatre trips that are so much a part of school life. I particularly enjoyed being involved as they show cased their talent in school performances.

Being born and brought up in Saltcoats has been a distinct advantage, I feel. It has provided me with a close bond with the school community. I have often astonished pupils because I am familiar with local streets and even families. Our combined loyalty to the school and its local environment has been palpable.

I have been privileged to work with a group of highly committed professionals and am proud to leave Ardrossan Academy now that it has regained some of its former glory and widely acclaimed place in the community. Parents, too, have contributed to this success with their constant support of staff and their desire to ensure that their children receive the best opportunities that we can offer.

In my retirement, as well as travel, I should like to rekindle some interests like opera, choral singing, theatre, reading and gardening that have had to be sidelined because of the all-consuming nature of being a busy Headteacher.

Mary-Rose Martin