Four decades of dedication: Celebrating Steve Stringer’s remarkable 40 years at North Fawdon Primary
In an age where career paths often zig and zag, some individuals stand as true pillars of their communities, quietly shaping lives and institutions for decades. Steve Stringer, the beloved caretaker of North Fawdon Primary School in Newcastle, is one such individual.
Recently, Steve marked an astonishing 40 years of service, an incredible milestone that speaks volumes about his dedication, the evolution of schools, and the power of community.
We were honoured to sit down with him for the latest episode of The Schools North East Podcast to learn more about his remarkable career.
A journey beyond expectations
When Steve first walked through the gates of North Fawdon Primary in December 1986, a young man of 19 or 20, he had a modest plan: stay for five years, then move on. Fast forward to today, and that five-year stint has transformed into four decades, a period Steve describes as “absolutely amazing” and “the best years of my life.”
From basic fences to high-tech security
Steve’s tenure at North Fawdon has offered a unique front-row seat to the dramatic transformations in school environments. He recalls a time when the perimeter was a mere foot-high metal bar fence, easily stepped over, and all external doors were open during the day.
Today, it’s a world of high-security fencing and electronic doors, a progression driven by an increased focus on safeguarding. This shift, which Steve notes has been implemented across countless schools, underscores how the physical landscape of education has evolved to prioritize student safety above all else.
An ever-expanding role
Steve’s job description has expanded far beyond the traditional image of a caretaker. Gone are the days of simply loading coal into solid fuel boilers! His role now encompasses crucial compliance tasks, including daily electrical checks, water testing, monthly contractor checks, weekly lockdown alarm tests, and half-yearly emergency light and fire alarm tests.
More than just maintenance, Steve is also a familiar and welcoming face, greeting parents on the yard each morning, an integral part of the school’s daily welcoming team.
Generations of connections
Perhaps most heartwarming is Steve’s deep, multi-generational connection to the North Fawdon community. His two sons attended the school, and three grandchildren have passed through its doors, with one currently in nursery.
He anticipates seeing a third generation of families come through, developing friendships with parents who were once children in his care. This rich tapestry of relationships, woven from shared experiences and familial ties, highlights the unique, tight-knit community Steve helps to foster and protect.
Steve Stringer’s 40 years at North Fawdon Primary School is more than just a job; it’s a lifetime of dedication to a community that has become his “second home.”
His story is a powerful reminder of the unsung heroes who are the backbone of our educational institutions, providing stability, care, and a constant presence for generations of learners. He plans to continue working beyond his retirement age of 67, and we have no doubt North Fawdon will continue to thrive under his watchful eye.
Listen to the full episode here.
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