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Community / ‘So much more than a janitor’ – school head pays tribute to Duncan on his retirement

JANITOR, gardener, DJ – staff at Aith Junior High School have paid tribute to Duncan Leask after his retirement from the school.

Leask, who is known locally for being the man behind the decks at the famous GTL discos, has retired as the school’s janitor after 13 years of service.

Aith Junior High School head teacher Michael Spence said they were bidding “farewell but not goodbye” to Leask, who he described as “so much more than a janitor”.

Duncan Leask has retired as janitor in Aith. Photo: Aith Junior High School

“Gardener, DJ, handyman, mentor, and friend, Duncan has poured his heart into our school community every single day,” Spence said.

“Though he’s now retiring, his continued commitment as a volunteer will mean that he’ll remain a vibrant part of our school for years to come.”

In a post on Facebook, Aith Junior High School also saluted Leask for his 13 years of service, saying he had shown what a dedicated supporter of the school he was in that time.

“There can’t be many nursery departments who can say they have had a legendary GTL disco at Christmas (greatly enjoyed by primary and secondary departments too),” they said.

“Although Duncan carries yellow and red cards in his pocket to issue if needed, it is fair to say he is particularly fond of the colour green, he even has green fingers!

“The polytunnel and greenhouse gardening groups have gone from strength to strength under his careful guidance.

“He has always ensured the surroundings of the school are immaculate, with extra special attention to detail for special events such as the school centenary or Christmas; when Duncan’s elves also contribute greatly and their sparkle never went unnoticed.

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“This, of course, was over and above his day-to-day janitorial duties.”

The school wished him a “very well-deserved long and happy retirement” and said they would “miss him greatly around the school”.

“We are delighted that we will still see him regularly as he continues to champion the school gardening clubs.

“Thank you so much Duncan, for all you have done and continue to do for us, you’re one in a million.”

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