Fond farewell to Sanquhar school head

Jun 24 2009 by Jackie Grant, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

AFTER six years working at a school she loved, Sanquhar Academy head teacher Jackie McKenzie will say a fond farewell to pupils and staff at the end of term after deciding to take early retirement.

Jackie started at the Royal Burgh school as deputy head teacher for six years, before taking up the top job of head teacher in January 2006.

After a long 35 years working in education, Jackie has decided to leave the school because of a minor health issue, saying: “I felt it has impacted on the energy I have to give to the job, but I’m hoping to find another part-time role in education in the near future.”

Speaking of her time in Sanquhar, she said: “The children and parents in Sanquhar are absolutely smashing and I’ll miss this very close and warm community.

“However, I am very happy to be handing the reins over to new head teacher Marilyn Barbour, who will be coming here from Wallace Hall Academy in Thornhill where she is currently deputy head teacher.

“I know she will do an excellent job here.”