After almost 5 decades much loved Hunstanton teacher Hilary Johnson retires
“I will miss the teaching, the students, and my colleagues,” says Miss Johnson, who first joined Smithdon High as a Maths Teacher in 1980.
“Over the 46 years, I have held many responsibilities," she continues, "Head of Careers in the eighties. When the Headteacher, Doug Little, appointed me, he said I would have an interesting career, and he was right.
“When the Sixth Form opened at Smithdon, I was involved from the first year coordinating our link for vocational courses with the college in King’s Lynn. This led to my next role as GNVQ Coordinator, then Assistant Director of Sixth Form, and subsequently Director of Sixth Form.”
During her time at Smithdon, there have been a few changes.
“I started with a blackboard and chalk and a textbook for each student, then along came overhead projectors and transparencies, whiteboards and marker pens, then eventually IT came into the classroom, with computers, screens, and interactive whiteboards."
“Lunchtime used to be one hour and twenty-five minutes, enabling great extra-curricular activities to take place. This gave me the opportunity to be involved in my second subject, Music, teaching guitar (folk and classical) to many young people."
Acting Headteacher Sarah Robinson says, “Words cannot do justice to the contribution that Hilary has made to Smithdon over her 46 years. The impact she has had on generations of students, families, staff, and the wider community is incredible.
“She has rightly been described as ‘Smithdon Royalty’, and we wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Miss Johnson has even had a brush with actual royalty - “It was also a privilege to meet Queen Elizabeth II when she opened the new building in 2000."
Following her retirement, she hopes to spend more time with her grandchildren, and perhaps with her guitar.
What an incredible career - wishing Hilary Johnson a well deserved retirement!
Images Ian Burt