End of term can be an emotional time normally but for staff, pupils & parents of Merrylee Primary school, June 2009 has been exceptionally poignant. With much sadness the school community saw the retirement of Mr. Ian McAulay, the school’s very popular janitor.

 Ian decided to hang up his keys after 16 years in Merrylee.   Many of the school community had great fun celebrating his retirement in Newlands Tennis Club and the children also gave Ian a huge send off on his last day. The whole school thanked Ian for his caring attitude towards all in Merrylee.   

He will be a hard act to follow. The much loved and respected janitor of Merrylee Primary School, was awarded the recognition of Facilities’ Manager 'Employee of the Year' at the award ceremony for Glasgow City Council Direct and Care staff. He also had to pass on his skills to the new janitors of ringing the bell with his nose, how to sing the sausage song, how to remember everyone’s birthday and to give them their dumps while the whole dinner hall sings ‘happy birthday’.  The whole school community will miss Ian and dearly hope he continues to play some part in the life of Merrylee after he retires.  

 If that was not enough to cope with, the same week saw the demolition of the old school building on Ashmore Road with many memories crumbling to dust. The school, along with the beautiful mature trees in the grounds, is now completely flattened to prepare for a housing estate.