A DEPUTY head teacher who’s seen off four head teachers in a career spanning 40 years at the same Barry school, will retire this Easter.

Bryn Hafren comprehensive stalwart, Lesley Olden, will sound the bell on her time teaching at the all-girl secondary school taking away memories of working with former leaders Betty Smith, Pamela Roberts, Irene Mackie, and Phil Whitcombe and saying farewell to current school boss Tyrone Davies.

62-year-old Lesley, who began teaching religious studies and history in 1975 as the unmarried Miss Green, arrived at the school following her post-graduate studies in education in Cardiff.

She said: “The time is right for me personally.

“This is such a special school and a family school and it’s been a pleasure to work here for so many years.”

Lesley said she had two border collies needing walks and she also hopes to visit Norway with her husband, to see the Northern Lights, and catch up with friends.

“I love flowers,” she said. ”So I’m going to do my garden and a course on flower arranging and will work with children on a voluntary basis. I am going to miss them (the pupils) immensely.

“I have had the privilege to work with fantastic staff over the years and work with some very inspirational people and the children.

“It’s just been lovely and I have been so happy here.

“I wish them all the best.”

Lesley rose to become head of the department which saw it evolve into a flourishing one with pupils studying World Religions in lessons.

Lessons incorporated literacy, ICT, creative skills and numeracy.

Teacher, Sally Paulakis said Lesley encouraged staff and pupils alike and her passion for the subject was infectious so it was not a surprise when two staff - Miss Memory and Mrs Stapleton – eventually became head of Religious Studies and a number of pupils became teachers in charge of religious studies in local primary schools.

She developed an RE club and raised the profile of the subject through celebration of an annual RE Festival Week.

She gave many pupils an insight into different places of worship by organising trips to such as places as St David’s Cathedral, St Paul’s, Neasden Hindu temple and the Birmingham Central Mosque.

Pupils and staff looked forward to her assemblies as she combined personal stories, religious insights and thoughtful moments of reflection. The need to be tolerant of one another’s differences was a key element of her assemblies.

Lesley became head of humanities and had a keen interest in the pastoral care of pupils.

She became part of the upper school pastoral team, then a Ty Coch house tutor and eventually deputy head teacher in charge of pastoral affairs.

Former colleague: Miss Memory said: “Pupils and staff alike have benefitted from Lesley’s compassion, commitment and common sense approach. The ability to show empathy without being patronising and genuine care and interest in all pupils’ welfare and education have gained Lesley the respect and admiration of all those who know her."

Her time at Bryn Hafren also saw her oversee the wellbeing and education of the Norwegian exchange students.

Current head teacher Tyrone Davies said: “Lesley has been the school’s conscience, heartbeat and fairy godmother all rolled into one. She has been a unique and positive influence on the lives of so many pupils and staff. We have been privileged to have had her as a teacher, colleague and friend and we wish her a long, healthy and well-deserved retirement”.

Former head teacher, Phil Whitcombe said: “Lesley has taught full time for her entire career - 40 uninterrupted years at Bryn Hafren - an incredible and rare record that will probably never ever happen again.

“She is passionate about the school and fought for the best opportunities for all the children that came into our care.

“She worked very closely with me and I valued her inputs on a wide range of decisions made in my 10 years as head teacher.

“She became a very good friend and confidant as well as a colleague. As a busy head teacher I valued that working relationship as I knew whenever I had to leave the school - whether for hours or days - it would be in the safe hands of someone who shared my philosophy of education.

“Lesley has been a long serving and key part of the school community for such a very long time. She has taught and supported thousands of children during her long career and is now at the stage where the grandparents of the current pupils come to speak to her at parents evenings.

“I really enjoyed working with Lesley as a key part of my team and I wish her well for a very long, happy and healthy retirement.”

All staff have wished Lesley happiness in her retirement.