PRESTON Lodge High School bid a heartfelt farewell to more than a dozen teachers on Friday (July 1) as pupils head off on their summer holidays.

Long standing teachers and probationary teachers alike said goodbye to the school for the final time – with most heading off on new ventures in and out of the country.

Philip Dorrian, a much-loved maths teacher, retired on Friday after working at the school for 14 years.

Mr Dorrian will spend his retirement spending time with his two grandchildren.

Gavin Clark, headteacher, said: "We are grateful for all that Philip has done for our school and wish him well in his next steps."

Ronnie Fulton, from the school's art team, also retired having spent 14 years at the school.

Mr Clark said his ceramic work in particular has offered students "great opportunities to develop their creativity".

He continued: "Thank you, Ronnie, for all that you have done for our students, and good luck beyond PL."

Meanwhile, a number of other teachers are departing from the school to pursue other ventures.

John Troup, CDT teacher, has secured a sideways move to Penicuik High School.

John has been a key player in that subject at the school over the last nine years and coordinated Preston Lodge's production of face coverings in the early days of the pandemic, which was a "huge contribution to the community."

Mr Clark thanked him for his service to the school.

Marie Jegat, of the school's modern languages team, departs after 14 years of service for an exciting new teaching job in Malaysia.

Mrs Jegat and her family head across the globe next month and will be "much missed by students and colleagues alike".

Five probationary teachers at the school will break up for the final time this summer as they head for new roles around the country.

Maia Aitken (Art) takes up a post at Northfield Academy in Aberdeen, Alice Jones (PE) has accepted a role at Mearns Academy in Laurencekirk, whilst Deborah Robertson (History) will begin a role at Ross High School after the summer.

Struan Young (Music) is taking a year out to travel around the world, whilst Craig Dorward will be working as a supply teacher for East Lothian after the summer break.

Mr Clark added: "We are delighted that our sixth probationer, Regan Hay, will remain with our Computing team, having secured a post with us earlier this session."

And another teacher is swapping Scotland for a new country, with Kieran Goodlet, biology, heading to Tunisia to take up a new post.

Elena Leeparis, who has been with the school's Support for Learning team this year, moves elsewhere.

In the pupil support team, Tracey Kinnell, a key member of the ASN Auxiliary team for 10 years, departs to begin working in social care with young adults.

Cat Cerbauskas, mental health youth worker, moves onto St George's School after the summer.

Tom Scott, Covid recovery pupil support, will begin training to become a music teacher.

Finally, Lee Dudgeon, the school's much-loved enhanced Covid cleaner finished on Friday.

Mr Clark concluded: " We have been lucky to have such a cheerful and hard working cleaner on our side, and thank Lee for all that he has done.

"Lee will now take up a new post with our evening cleaning team, as well as some relief janitor work.

"The staff leaving are PLers for life, of course, and whilst we are sorry to see them go, we are grateful for the time they have spent with us.

"Good luck to all!"