Retiring this summer, after 30 years of dedicated service to St. George's School is Miss Kathleen McHugh. She came to Switzerland in 1977 because she wanted to ski. Only planning to stay a year, her first trip up the mountain left her with a broken foot and she has never put on a pair of skis since.

She has given so much to the school that it is impossible for me to sum it up in just a few words. She has had a significant role to play in the lives of so many students over the past few decades, particularly the boarders. One of her first students speaks fondly of her saying, ‘She was an integral part of school life, she slept in the chalet, she took part in school plays, she cheered the girls on at house sports competitions, she was there at supper, she welcomed us to school and waved us goodbye at the end of term, she was our friend, our big sister and our French Literature teacher.’

Another former student who was at St. George's School in the 80’s sent me an e-mail last week saying ‘she was an amazing teacher and I learned a great deal from her. Some of the methods she taught me I now use to teach my own students.’

Kathleen always has time for students, whether it is to give extra practice for their French oral exam or to listen patiently to their problems. Students and staff alike turn to her for advice, and her careful planning and consideration of a situation from all angles has been a mainstay for the smooth running of the school. Year 9 girls will probably remember her for telling them to roll down their skirts and year 10 boys for being told to pull up their trousers. Maybe, in years to come, it will be her song and dance routines that will remind you which verbs take être in the passé compose!

Congratulations Miss McHugh and best wishes on your retirement from all the St. George's staff.  Best wishes also to Conseulo of the domestic staff on her retirement.