The Opportunity Workshop this week said farewell to a favourite teacher.

During a retirement party for Cynthia Burns, students and teachers of the special education facility paid a farewell tribute to their "mama''.

Mrs. Burns retired after teaching at the Workshop for 23 years.

"I love being with children with special needs,'' she explained. "I have gained a lot of satisfaction in many ways.

"For one, I appreciate life more after dealing with these kinds of people and it has helped me not to over-expect anything from my own children.'' In a rousing send-off, students sang a selection of songs. That was followed by a synopsis of Mrs. Burns' life, read by teacher Sharon Jackson.

Mrs. Burns began her teaching career in 1963 at St. Brendan's Hospital. In 1965 she moved into the Day Training Centre. She left and went to England where she qualified as a special education teacher and returned to work at the Devon Lane School and Opportunity Workshop.'' "Mrs. Burns was fair, caring and helpful to her students, and not only did she meet their needs but the parents and guardians also relied on her totally, knowing the students were in good hands,'' said Mrs. Jackson.

"She was known as `mama' to most of them and it is already apparent how much we all miss her here. She has enjoyed a long teaching career, characterised by great devotion to the Opportunity Workshop. Thank-you from the bottom of our hearts.'' Students Jonathan Walwyn, Pamela Burchall and Carol-Ann Williams, on behalf of the entire school, also extended many thanks and best wishes to the newly-retired teacher.

Mrs. Burns was also saluted by a representative from the Department of Education.

Senior education officer Donna Daniels said: "We (the Department) truly appreciate your long service in education. You have been a great role model and you have fulfilled a great task.'' After being presented with a certification of appreciation, a Meyer Travel voucher and a handmade place mat designed by student John Minks, Mrs. Burns thanked her pupils and colleagues for making her career "as enjoyable as possible''.

"I know I have been blessed because I have enjoyed my work,'' she said.