She has spent almost two decades at the helm of St Joseph’s Primary School in Inverness.
And now, Christine Cameron’s retirement as head teacher has been marked with a Papal Knighthood in recognition of her dedication and achievements within the Catholic community in the north.
Before serving on the staff at city’s Catholic primary school, Mrs Cameron was a pupil at the school herself.
Upon her retirement, hundreds of pupils and former pupils attended a special Mass at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntly Street to celebrate her service at the school.
She was presented with the knighthood – formally known as the Pro Ecclesia and Pontifice – and a gold Papal medal by Bishop Hugh Gilbert, Bishop of Aberdeen. Bishop Emeritus Peter Moran was also present along with Father James Bell and curates of St Mary’s.
The award is the most senior accolade Pope Francis can bestow upon a lay person.
Mrs Cameron looked back on her time at the school and spoke fondly of her ‘extended school family’ She said: “My long association with St Joseph’s Primary dates back to being a pupil here in the 1960s, a teacher and parent of two boys in the 80s and 90s and now Head Teacher for 17 years. It all adds up to 40 happy years at St Josephs.
“I’m so grateful to my inspirational staff, past and present, and the pupils and parents I’ve had the privilege to know in this truly exceptional school community. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every moment of my working life surrounded by my extended school family.
“When I took charge, I wanted St Joseph’s to continue as a happy, inclusive school where the joy of learning was evident. I cannot thank enough those who have offered me support and encouraged me over the years.”
Mrs Cameron is married to former Caledonian Thistle Chairman Kenny Cameron with two sons and a grandson.
She added: “To know that I had received this award for my part in creating a community of faith and learning is an enormous honour and blessing and I will cherish it forever”.
In recognition of her success, MP Patrick Grady and MP Drew Hendry spoke of Mrs Cameron’s exemplary work in the House of Commons on Monday in the lead up to her retirement.
Mrs Cameron said: “I have been a St Josephs for a lifetime. I spent my childhood there, my children went there. I am going to miss the children, the staff and the whole community that surrounds me at St Joseph’s and their warmth and affection. I will also miss being a teacher and the joy of learning.
“This came late on but a former pupil of mine, Patrick Grady is a Member of Parliament and he managed to call out my time in Parliament at the House of Commons. They put together in a speech in Parliament about my retirement and the words were so lovely. They thanked me for helping generations of children and for my care and leadership; it was really special.”