Tributes for Moray rector after illness forces retirement
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MORAY has seen an outpouring of affection for a local head teacher after illness cut short a career he loved.
Well-wishers took to social media to show gratitude to Keith Grammar School (KGS) rector Jamus MacPherson – a former Elgin Academy maths teacher – for his dedication over the years after he announced his retirement yesterday.
Mr MacPherson (52) has been ill for around a year after suffering a brain aneurysm as he watched his boys play in a football game. He had hoped to be well enough to return to his post at KGS but sadly has not recovered sufficiently to get back into school.
Rector at the school since 2012 and himself a former pupil at the school between 1979-85, Mr MacPherson and wife Jane said the role was more than just a job to him.
They said it had been an incredibly difficult time and thanked the school and local communities for all their support over the last year.
In a retirement statement issued by the couple, they said: "Jamus took a huge amount of pride in his job as head teacher of KGS.
"As a former pupil of the school and with family ties to the town, it was more than just a job to him. He cared about his whole school community and worked hard to do his best for them.
"There is so much he will miss about his job, the main thing being the students. He made a point of getting to know them and to be accessible as he cared strongly that they were treated with respect to reach their potential in a way that was right for each of them individually."
They added: "There is still uncertainty ahead as Jamus faces further surgery next month. He is very determined and we remain positive as he adjusts to a very different life to what he had planned."
Keith Grammar School thanked Mr MacPherson for his huge contribution, saying: "The reaction from all colleagues, parents, pupils, former pupils, and the wider Moray community speaks volumes about the high regard in which Jamus is held as a teacher, a leader and a man.
"He will always be part of our community.
"We have missed him badly in the last year and have enjoyed it when he has been able to visit us.
"We hope it is not too long before we are able to pass on our good wishes in person."
Deputy head teacher and acting head Liz Bain tweeted: "It’s the end of an era. Canny, diligent, a good judge of character, and so funny. It’s been an honour to work with you."
Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead thanked Mr MacPherson for his service and dedication throughout his teaching career.
He said: "I always enjoyed catching up with him during my visits to the school. He worked incredibly hard to support pupils, staff and the wider school community and there’s no doubt he will be missed.
"Of course, Jamus was a pupil himself at Keith Grammar School and so will know first-hand the strong sense of community within the school and the town, and he will always be a part of that."
Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross said: "Many thanks to Jamus for his service as a teacher and head teacher. He has been a great servant to Keith Grammar School and eduction here in Moray."
Keith and Cullen Councillor Donald Gatt tweeted: "An enthusiastic and dedicated individual, he will be sorely missed."
Friend and Moray Council convener Shona Morrison said Mr MacPherson had left an incredible legacy.
Cllr Morrison said: "Having known Jamus for many years, I have witnessed first-hand not only his dedication for his role as rector of KGS but his compassion for the school and his home community of Keith.
"As rector, Jamus was incredibly invested in KGS, regularly going above and beyond the expectations of his role to ensure every child was given the very best opportunity to succeed. Jamus was able to balance the needs of students alongside the needs of his staff and demonstrated this by providing them with a caring and nurturing environment to teach.
"The coming weeks will continue to be stressful and challenging for Jamus, Jane and the family. We wish them our very best in the weeks and months ahead and they will be in all our thoughts."
She added: "Great leadership is the key to a successful learning environment. Jamus leaves an incredible legacy at KGS and although his departure has been hastened for the saddest of reasons, it is important that he knows the difference that he made to so many young people’s lives."
