It’s hard to imagine anyone staying in the same job for 40 years, but for Margaret Beaumont, that was her reality.
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Until now.
After 41 years and nine days of service as the office administrator at Moss Vale High School, Margie as she’s affectionately known as, has officially retired.
Past and present staff from Margie’s tenure were invited to attend Moss Vale High School on February 8th for a surprise party to say goodbye to the longest serving member of staff.
A number of staff photos were hung on the wall inside the school hall in tribute to Margie and her service to Moss Vale High School.
Described as “kind, patient. and generous” by Dianne Sutherland, one of the school administration officers and the community liaison coordinator, Margie was lost for words when she first walked in.
Keeping the surprise going away party a secret was one thing, but trying to lure Margie to the school hall required some creative thinking by the staff at Moss Vale High School.
Under the guise of a student hurting themselves, Margie who is also the first aid officer at school, raced down, wheelchair in tow, only to be greeted by her family and former colleagues.
While retirement means Margie can relax she will still be involved in the school as she still coaches the junior basketball team.
During her 40 year tenure, Margie saw all three of her children attend Moss Vale as well as her grandchildren pass through the school and outlasted quite a number of principals.
In her farewell speech the day before, Margie said that “there’s barely been a day in 41 years went by that I’ve got up and thought ‘I don’t want to go today’ and that’s all because of all the people that are here”.
Addressing everyone in the hall, Margie was visibly touched by the amount of people who came to send her off and said that everything was “great and was surprised” when she saw her family who had flown in for her last day at work.
Asked why she had stayed at the school for over 40 years, Margie’s answer was simple: “I enjoyed what I did”.