Elgin High School teacher Fiona Davidson retires after nearly four decades of service
AN Elgin High School teacher has retired after nearly four decades of service.
Principal RME teacher Fiona Davidson bid an emotional farewell to her colleagues and her pupils before the school broke up for the summer holidays late last month.
Originally from Edinburgh, Fiona moved to Moray initially to teach at Keith Grammar School to complete two years of probation as a newly qualified teacher.
She then moved to take up a position at Elgin High School in 1988 where she stayed for 36 years after initially planning on moving back to Edinburgh.
Fiona said: “I didn’t really know what had hit me going to Keith because it is such a tiny wee place compared to Edinburgh.
“I had planned to go down to Edinburgh after two years because you had to do two years probation then.
“Then there were all these strikes in the 1980s with teachers and I met my husband at an EIS disco of all places and so I stayed up here in Moray.”
Fiona has held several pivotal positions within the school over the years.
She has offered support and counsel to pupils in her role as the principal teacher of guidance, been an invaluable member of the school’s Extended Leadership Team and has acted as depute headteacher when called upon.
But one of Fiona’s most significant contributions to Elgin High School is her involvement in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI).
Through the programme, Fiona has given pupils the opportunity to get involved with local charities to teach them about the importance of community involvement.
“I’ve worked with the YPI for the last 12 or 13 years,” Fiona said.
“I think it’s important to find out what’s in our community and what its needs are.
“It’s good for the kids to learn about where they’re living in that way.
“But I’m grateful to have held a variety of roles over my time and to have had the opportunity to do lots in school.”
Fiona has worked under three different headteachers during her stay at the school.
And it was current headteacher Hugh McCulloch who paid tribute to her contribution alongside colleagues in a special farewell speech in the school’s staffroom.
He said: “Fiona, your retirement marks the end of an era for our school.
“Your absence will undoubtedly be felt by staff and students alike.
“However, your legacy of kindness, dedication, and excellence will continue to inspire us for years to come.
“As you embark on this new chapter of your life, we wish you all the joy, relaxation, and fulfilment that you so richly deserve.”
Fiona plans to spend more time with her grandkids during her retirement which she says will keep her busy.
But she admits the new routine will take some getting used to.
“I don’t think it has really hit me yet,” she added.
“I’ve spent practically my whole life in school from five.
“I’ve been ruled by different times and holiday times so it’s going to feel really strange to have that kind of freedom now.
“I’ve worked with great staff and really good students that has made it a really enjoyable experience.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working at Elgin High School.”
