Teacher's resignation 'a sad day for Herm'

Mary Carey teaches four pupils between four and 11 at the island school

Island residents and parents have said they are "disappointed but not surprised" at the resignation of the teacher in charge of Herm School.

Mary Carey was in the position for 18 years and has been described as "incredibly unselfish".

The island's primary school, which currently has four pupils, was closed at the beginning of this academic year by the States before reopening following public pressure.

Mrs Carey had been on a prolonged period of absence prior to the announcement.

'A second-mother figure'

The outgoing CEO of Herm, Craig Senior, has two children at the school who he said "love and adore" Mary Carey.

He said: "One of the main reasons we came to Herm Island and put our roots down was the fantastic school-teacher that we have in Mary Carey.

"We're gutted, we're disappointed, but not surprised, considering how the last few months have been.

"When you're in a bubble like we are in the winter months, to have that relationship and that second-mother figure and schoolteacher is so, so very important."

Mr Senior said Mrs Carey was "one of the best schoolteachers [he] ever had the pleasure to know and to work with", who "always put the needs and thoughts of the children first".

Deputy de Lisle said Mrs Carey was very popular in the community

'First-class person and first-class teacher'

Deputy David de Lisle was at the forefront of the campaign which led to the States' u-turn on closing Herm School last year.

He said he was also disappointed to hear the announcement but was unsurprised given the "disruption" of the last year.

He said: "Herm is losing a first-class person, first-class teacher, and someone who will be very difficult to replace."

States Education has said that while they did not comment on individual teacher resignations or personal circumstances, they could confirm they had staff in place to deliver education in Herm.

'She made Herm School what it was'

Morgan Jones was one of the 40 children who Mrs Carey taught during her career at Herm School.

She said, "Herm School was absolutely brilliant, and Mrs Carey made it what it was.

"When you hear the words 'Herm School', you associate it with Mrs Carey, and I feel sorry for the children who won't experience her teaching.

"Her legacy will live in Herm forever."