THE headteacher at a Johnstone school has been hailed as a class act as she begins her retirement.

Hazel McMillan, 59, has left her post at Thorn Primary after three years and is now looking forward to enjoying a relaxing summer with her family.

Thousands of youngsters have passed through the doors of the school during Mrs McMillan’s time in charge and she says she has always tried to create an environment where children feel happy and secure.

She has passed the baton on to new headteacher Stephanie Hart, who will move from a post in Glasgow to take on a fresh challenge in Johnstone.

Mrs McMillan took over at Thorn Primary in October 2014, having previously been depute head at Arkleston Primary, in Renfrew.

Earlier in her career, she taught at Slaemuir Primary, in Port Glasgow, as well as at Mossvale Primary and Brediland Primary, both in Paisley.

Mrs McMillan said: “I had always wanted to be a teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed my job.

“Latterly as a class teacher, I taught in primary one, which I loved.

“I never ceased to be surprised by what such young children know and it was a great privilege to build on that knowledge and see the progress made in their first year at school.”

Although Mrs McMillan never set out to be a headteacher, she was encouraged to seek promotion by former Arkleston Primary head Margaret Byrne.

Thanks to her encouragement, Mrs McMillan applied for the post at Thorn Primary and was successful.

She said: “As a headteacher, I have always tried to create an environment in school where children feel happy and secure and consequently are confident to learn.

“Listening to children is a really important part of this.

“We have a great team at Thorn, who all work very hard to provide enjoyable, motivating learning experiences.

“I am grateful to them.”

Thorn Primary has managed numerous achievements during Mrs McMillan’s time in charge.

The school was recently awarded its third Eco Flag and also won an intergenerational quiz with Johnstone Day Care Centre.

However, Mrs McMillan says her biggest achievement has been seeing the children grow and develop through their time at Thorn Primary.

And she is a big fan of the school’s motto, which is ‘Thrive at Thorn.’

Mrs McMillan added: “I’m sure the new headteacher will build on the great work already being done at the school.

“I’m retiring just short of my 60th birthday and am looking forward to spending time with my family and hope to go travelling.”