After over three decades of dedication to some of York’s youngest learners, much-loved teaching assistant Sue Magson is taking her final bow.

Sue, 66, is retiring after spending exactly half of her life up to now working at St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School in Monkgate – a remarkable 33 years of service.

During that time she has won a place in the hearts of generations of pupils, who will especially remember Sue’s love of dressing up as colourful characters from Queen Elizabeth II to the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk.

Sue began helping out during dinner times when her own girls, Sarah and Andrea, were pupils at St Wilfrid’s.

Soon Sister Teresa – the first of five headteachers Sue has worked under – spotted her way with the younger pupils and asked her to take a classroom role.

After that her passion blossomed and she became a constant presence, bringing lots of fun and laughter along the way and never missing a chance to put on a costume.

“I’ve always loved dressing up with the kids,”

Sue said.

“One time I pretended to be the giant at the top of the beanstalk with a beard, a long coat and scruffy hat.

“Nobody recognised me and afterwards the kids wouldn’t believe it had been me. I had to get the clothes out at the end of the day to prove it!”

She says former pupils often stop her in the street and say,

“‘Didn’t you work at St Wilfrid’s? I remember when you wore that gorilla outfit!’”

Over the years, Sue has witnessed many changes at St Wilfrid’s, with each headteacher having their own way of doing things.

After Sister Teresa retired Betty McDougal took over as headteacher, followed by Colm Flanagan, Jane Conway and current head Helen Keith.

“Technology has also changed and it’s a faster pace of life than it was then. Children had less, so they appreciated things more.”

But what kept Sue motivated throughout the decades was the close bonds she formed with the children as they began their school lives.

She said:

“It’s so important to get those foundations right. If we can get it right at the beginning, it’s just going to build on top of that.

“You can see when they’re struggling and doing something daft can bring them out of it, as long as they feel safe and comfortable with you. I always treat the children how I would want people to treat my grandchildren.

“I’ve never been somebody who wanted to chase wealth or big houses, which is good job really! Those things to me don’t really matter. People matter more.

“It’s been lovely, and I just hope I’ve got lots of healthy years ahead of me.”

Sue’s advice to new teaching assistants reflects her caring philosophy:

“Just try to think on their level. Think as a child would. And being kind and respectful to whoever you meet in life should be everybody’s ethos, in my view.”

When asked what she will miss most, Sue’s answer was simple:

“The kids.”

But she’s also looking forward to spending more time with her family, especially her six grandchildren.

Current headteacher Helen Keith says Sue will be a big loss to the school community and she is always welcome to come back and see the St Wilfrid’s family.

She said:

“It’s been a great pleasure and joy to work with Sue during my time at St Wilfrid’s. Every day, she has been a welcoming, happy and reassuring person as she greets our pupils and families arriving in the morning.

“She has always gone above and beyond to make sure our pupils are happy, cared for and achieve their very best in her care.

“She’s been an instrumental member of the team. She always looks after the staff and shows great care and love to them. There aren’t enough words of gratitude I can say to thank Sue for her exceptional dedication to the pupils, staff and the St Wilfrid’s community over the last 33 years.

“Her wonderful sense of humour, numerous jokes and outfits on dressing up days will certainly be missed by us all.”