Denise Armstrong has retired from teaching, after 34 years working with infant children. She trained at Ripon and York St John College and taught in East Yorkshire for 12 years. She advised other schools, as an Early Years Advisor, near Beverley, then successfully completed 22 years at Vane Road Academy, in Reception and Year 1, and became well known for her very entertaining Lumiere festivals, brightening and cheering us up on dark winter evenings. She braved covid, when many of her colleagues had to furlough, for two years (teaching over 30 children from home) and has hardly had a single day off sick, since 2002. Incredible dedication!
Mrs Armstrong would like to thank staff and parents for the many generous gifts and kind messages. Most of all though, her family would like to thank her wonderful parents, Tommy and Marlene Elliott, who have supported her, firstly as a student teacher, 100 miles from home and then with childcare, for 10 years, as well as being extremely helpful with financial and practical kindness, and home improvements, completely selfless in their sacrifices to give Denise and their grandchildren the best possible start in life.
The reward she richly deserves is good health and happiness and to begin her new journey, a Norwegian Fjord cruise is booked. It is heartwarming to know that you have taught the parents of the children you have recently taught in your final years and to see your own beautiful daughters, Lauren and Emma, grow up and achieve success at college and university.
So, the final chapter should be weddings and grandchildren. Your very proud and loving husband dedicates this tribute to a wonderful wife, mother and teacher, who has inspired thousands of children and brought happiness to parents and earned the respect of colleagues, over more than three decades – God bless you – congratulations Denise.