Russell Hall Primary School teacher Lisa Reilly retiring

Lisa Reilly officially retired this week after working 35 years at Russell Hall Primary School, on West End, Queensbury.

Lisa Reilly was honoured as she retired from Russell Hall Primary School after 35 years (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Reilly started at Russell Hall in 1989. She started in the nursery and trained to become a teacher whilst working there. She has taught in Early Years, Key Stage One, and Key Stage Two.

She has taught generations of families and even in her class this past year, she taught children of her past pupils.

To mark her retirement, the school planned a day of celebration on Tuesday.

Mrs Reilly's colleague, Emma Smith, said she is renowned for her blonde hair, bright pink lipstick, and blue eyeliner.

Mrs Smith said: “The staff recreated the ‘Lisa look’ for a special assembly on Tuesday morning where past colleagues, friends, and family came together with staff and children to celebrate her fantastic career.”

Staff at Russell Hall Primary donned blonde wigs and wore pink lipstick and blue eyeliner to honour retiring teacher Lisa Reilly (Image: Newsquest)

Staff and children also wore blue and pink clothing on the day.

Mrs Reilly, who loves to sing, has been the music coordinator at Russell Hall and leads singing assemblies.

As a surprise for the long-standing teacher, her colleagues Mrs Smith and Lydia Gibson worked on a song with the children.

Mrs Reilly is a fan of Dolly Parton, so they wrote a new version of ‘9 to 5’ called ‘Working 35’ in honour of her 35-year career.

For weeks, staff led secret singing sessions in classrooms for children to practice the song. They then sang it at Tuesday’s assembly.

Mrs Smith said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Lisa.

“When I came to visit Russell Hall before joining, I remember her warm, welcoming smile and knew I just wanted to work with her.

“She has given a lifetime of dedication, love, and care to so many children and is just so inspirational.

“I haven’t just gained a colleague working with Lisa, I’ve gained a friend for life and I wish her a happy and relaxing retirement.”

Headteacher Andrew Grant said: “Mrs Reilly is a truly inspirational person both professionally and personally.

“Although she has been working in education for over 35 years, she still approaches every day with so much enthusiasm and excitement.

“She makes lessons fun and everyone loves her.

“Whether it’s working with a handful of children at the maths table or being in full costume as Red Riding Hood in an English lesson, she is always a beacon of excellence.

“She has taught generations of children and had a huge impact on the lives of them and their families.

“Not having Mrs Reilly as part of Russell Hall will be a great loss to the school and the children of Queensbury but she has truly earned every second of retirement.”