Ruby May Rainford

SPANISH TOWN, St Catherine:

Veteran teacher, Ruby May Rainford, was recently honoured for 32 years of service to the teaching profession at the Time and Patience Primary School.

The school grounds were decorated in a colourful setting as parents, teachers, personnel from the Ministry of Education and well-wishers paid their respects to the veteran teacher, who they grew to know as Aunt Ruby.

Principal Dave Kelly described Rainford as the classroom's mother figure, as he told the gathering of his first experience with the veteran.

"I can remember going to several schools in my yellow shirt and pink shoes. They all laughed. However, the great Mrs Ruby looked beyond my clothing and here I am today," said Kelly.

Others pointed to Aunt Ruby's kindness and the way she paid attention to detail as the characteristics they would most miss.

During the activities, several poems and skits were performed in honour of the great teacher, who spent the last 18 years as principal of the Unique Rural School. She has a Bachelor Of Education in school management, along with a diploma from Moneague Teachers' College. However, more important than her educational background is the experience she brought to the classroom and, according to Kelly, this is what would be missed most.

Decked in blue, the lady of the moment was moved by her send-off, but controlled herself long enough to thank those who turned out to pay tribute to what was described as a magnificent career.

"I thank you very much," she said simply.

Personnel from the Ministry of Education, Region 6 office and master of ceremony, Dennis Clarke, spared no words to describe the void left in the teaching fraternity and, in particular, at the Time and Patience Primary School.