Velda Bailey surrounded by some of her charges who were only too happy to be in her company. (CG)

VELDA BAILEY not only bade farewell to the students at St Mary's Primary yesterday, but also to the teaching profession.

After 40 years in the classroom – two of which were at the City school – students, teachers, family and friends gathered at St Mary's Anglican Church to pay musical and poetic tributes to the veteran teacher.

Principal Ormon Ward, in wishing her a happy retirement, said Bailey had given yeoman service.

Reverend Von Watson thanked her for the work she had done, especially her contribution to the spiritual life of
St Mary's School. He said she had brought God to many children, while taking them to service on Wednesdays.

He also said when he was at school, Ecclesiastes 3, which addressed the fact everything has a season, was read before the start of promotion examinations, and he wanted Bailey to apply this scripture to her retirement.

He said her students would "take her with them in life", not physically but in knowing Bailey had not only taught science, civics, language and literature, but had helped them to see God's influence in their lives. (WB)