Tributes paid to devoted teacher

Jackie Greenhalgh . . . “She touched the lives of many and will be sadly missed”

A DEDICATED head teacher who touched the lives of hundreds of pupils collapsed and died following her school’s leavers’ assembly.

Jackie Greenhalgh (57) suffered a brain haemorrhage shortly after Friday’s celebration on the last day of term at Alt Primary School.

The grandmother-of-three from Grotton was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital but did not recover.

The Alt Lane school will open at 10am tomorrow to allow people to sign a book of condolence.

Deputy head teacher Janette Hadcroft said: “She had real drive and dedication.

“She always had the best interests of the children at heart and was proud of the children and their achievements. She touched the lives of many and she will be sadly missed.”

Mrs Greenhalgh started teaching in 1977 at Greenfield Lane School, Shaw, moving to Clarksfield Junior School when it closed in 1982.

She became deputy head teacher at Clarksfield 10 years later and joined Fitton Hill Junior School before becoming head teacher at Alt in September, 2002.

Married to Jeff with two grown-up sons, she also leaves her parents and siblings.

The funeral will be held at St John’s Church, Hey, at 11am next Wednesday, followed by committal at Oldham Crematorium. No flowers are requested, with donations in aid of Christie Against Cancer.

Mrs Hadcroft said Mrs Greenhalgh was a lifelong learner and added: “A key world that she used was stickability.

“The thing she was always talking about was that she did not learn to swim until she was an adult, she found it hard but stuck with it.

“She was also keen to promote extra-curricular activities including the pantomimes, singing and first aid.

“On two occasions she coached teams in a first-aid competition that represented the school at national finals in London.”

Richard Marks, who worked with Mrs Greenhalgh for three years as chairman of governors, said: “Her drive and passion for the school were incredible.

“Her devotion to the children and her dedication to their welfare shone through everything she did.

“My sympathies go out to Jeff and his family and all the staff, parents and children of Alt.”