Lossiemouth High School’s head teacher - formerly of Buckie and Milne’s High - moves into new role
A teacher who worked in three high schools over the course of four decades has made the difficult decision to leave the profession.
Janice Simpson was most recently head teacher at Lossiemouth High School, where she served for more than six years.
Her last day was Friday, November 22 - and she started a new role at His Majesty’s Inspectorate (HMIE) on Monday (November 25).
Mrs Simpson’s career in Moray schools began in Buckie High School in 1983. After 25 years in that role, with a short break to have her two daughters, she was appointed principal teacher of maths in 2008.
She was deputy head teacher at Milne’s High for three years between 2015 and 2018 and has since been head teacher at Lossie High.
Leaving the school was a tough call to make, with Janice saying it was a “privilege” to lead the school for six-and-a-half years.
“I have so many happy memories from my time working in Moray’s schools and it was not an easy decision to leave as it is such an honour to lead a school,” she said.
“I feel blessed to have been able to work with the Lossie High School community on our improvement journey.
“I was fortunate to have a wonderful team of deputy head teachers and I will desperately miss their friendship, commitment and dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of young people.
“I wish the Lossiemouth High community every success in the future and very much look forward to reading of their many achievements in the local press and social media.”
It’s not just her time in Lossiemouth that Janice will remember with great fondness, however. Being involved in shaping the lives of so many youngsters right across Moray in something she is grateful for.
She added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my posts and feel privileged to have been able to play a part in the education of young people for so many years.
“I would like to thank the staff, pupils, parents and partners in all of the schools I have worked in for helping me become equipped to take on this new role.”
Mrs Simpson has been working with HMIE as an associate assessor in recent years - visiting schools right across Scotland to carry out inspections.
She will now take on that role on a permanent basis - so she isn’t going to be far away from education.
“When the opportunity to become a full-time inspector arose early this year I decided to apply and, after a series of interviews, was successful,” she said.
Pupils and staff gathered for a presentation on Mrs Simpson’s last day to say goodbye and wish her all the best for the future.
