Moorside High School celebrates retirement of much-loved teacher after 45 years

Sue Kirk has dedicated her entire teaching career to Moorside, working as a PE teacher, English teacher, Head of Year and Director of Culture – affectionately known by colleagues and students as ‘Director of Fun’.

Over four and a half decades, Sue has played a huge part in school life, organising sporting trips, competitions, performances, fundraising events and memorable experiences for students. Her legendary trips have taken students to Wimbledon, Wembley, Venice, Barcelona, Paris and beyond, while she also helped take thousands of pupils to Blackpool and supported national championship volleyball and hockey teams.

Sue was behind some of Moorside’s most memorable whole-school events, including whole-school congas, space hopper races, I'm a Celebrity challenges, Blind Date and the much-loved ‘Strictly Come Moorside’. She also organised Christmas parties for elderly members of the community and visits to dementia centres.

Helen Ryles-Dean, Principal of Moorside High School, said:

“Forty-five years at the same school is an extraordinary achievement, but what makes Sue’s contribution so special is the number of lives she has touched during that time. She has truly been at the heart of Moorside.

“Sue has always expected the very best from young people, while showing them an enormous amount of care. Her greatest legacy is the people she has supported and the memories she has created for generations of Moorsiders. We wish her every happiness in her retirement – she has more than earned it.”

While Sue’s energy and sense of fun are legendary, it is her care for people that will perhaps be remembered most.

She was passionate about supporting students who could easily be overlooked, building confidence and encouraging young people to believe in themselves. Former pupils have shared memories of the difference she made to their lives, while colleagues have described her as a mentor, trusted friend and someone who was always there when they needed support.

After 45 years, Sue leaves Moorside with an incredible collection of memories and a legacy that will continue through the thousands of people she has influenced.

As Sue’s favourite end-of-evening prom song reminds us: “Never forget where you’ve come from.”

And wherever retirement takes her, Sue will always be a Moorsider.