AFTER 30 years shaping the lives of young people in Abbots Langley, a Divine Saviour School teacher is set to take a well-deserved rest.

Friday, July 22, was the last day of teaching for Kathleen O'Sullivan at the school in Broomfield Rise, Abbots Langley, where she had been employed for the past three decades.

Miss O'Sullivan said she has enjoyed her time at the school, where she has many memories and has made some good friends.

She said: "I didn't think I would ever be in one school for so long, but it is a lovely school to work in, with very supportive staff and parents and lovely children. I have been happy here."

During her time at the school, Miss O'Sullivan has worked with four different headteachers and has seen many changes at the site and in teaching methods.

She said: "All the headteachers have their own personalities and have bought their own strengths to the job. The main difference since I started here is the building. We now have a new frontage and an extra classroom to accommodate an increase in children.

"There used to be an orchard attached to the side of the school when the nuns (the Sisters of Divine saviour who founded the school) lived here. However, they had to sell the land and their building and move on. I miss the nuns being here and the gardens."

Teaching runs in the O'Sullivan family, as Miss O'Sullivan and her twin sister both followed in their mother's footsteps by joining the profession.

While her sister, who lives in Hampshire, opted to teach secondary school pupils, Miss O'Sullivan trained as a primary school teacher.

While at Divine Saviour, she has taught years three and four and the reception class.

She said the children have given her many happy memories.

She said: "Funny things often happen with the children. You can't be in teaching if you don't have a sense of humour, that's what gets you through the day."

Miss O'Sullivan taught some of the parents whose children are now in her classes, which she said makes parents evenings more relaxed.

With her newly-acquired freetime, Miss O'Sullivan intends to visit her family and friends across the country, who she hasn't had the time to see as much as she would like because of her workload.

She said: "There is so much paperwork in teaching today. Teachers get so stressed out and tired and they certainly deserve their holidays, although they often end up working during them. Now I am leaving teaching I expect to have a lot more time to myself."

Headteacher Philip Gibbs said: "Miss O'Sullivan has been a valued member of staff for 30 years. She is dearly loved by all the children and parents and will be greatly missed by the whole school community."