A TEACHER has retired after working at the same school for 31 years. Jenny Soar said of her retirement from Edwinstree School in Buntingford: It was just the right time. Although I love teaching it wasn t a difficult decision. I have been teaching for

A TEACHER has retired after working at the same school for 31 years.

Jenny Soar said of her retirement from Edwinstree School in Buntingford: "It was just the right time."

"Although I love teaching it wasn't a difficult decision. I have been teaching for a long time now and it just felt like the right time to stop.

"It's a stressful job and that's something I will not miss.

"However, there will be an awful lot that I do miss, including the children, of course. They have been a part of my life.

"I can imagine, come September, it will be hard seeing pupils walking past the house on the way to school.

"I will also miss the camaraderie of the staff room. I have been fortunate to have worked with some wonderful colleagues. I have made some good friends and I will miss them all."

She is a keen bird watcher and regularly sings in the choir of St Mary's Church in Aspenden. She also enjoys acting and can often be seen on stage with the Buntingford Drama Group.

Mrs Soar, 60, said: "Edwinstree is a good school and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

"Teaching is a good profession, especially when you can make a difference. It's a rewarding job and I never dreamed of doing anything else."

Pupils at the school said Mrs Soar would be missed and described her as an understanding and caring teacher.

But how did Mrs Soar think she would be remembered?

"I would like to think that the children will always think of me for being honest," she said.

"You need honesty when you work with children. It's vitally important that they trust you and, no matter what they ask you, you always have to be honest. And I always was."

Edwinstree School held a retirement reception to celebrate Mrs Soir's dedication to education, attended by pupils and current and former members of staff.