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The Emmbrook School has said it is proud to recognise and celebrate the career of Jo Cox, who has taken the decision to retire after more than four decades of service to the community.
Mrs Cox first became associated with The Emmbrook in the 1990s, joining the school as an area manager with the cleaning contractor.
Her attention to detail and unflagging work ethic quickly made her an invaluable part of daily school life. She later became the school’s dedicated cleaning manager, a role in which she set high standards and supported a hardworking cleaning team that kept the school running smoothly behind the scenes.
In 2017, she made the decision to step back from management and joined the school staff directly as a janitor. From that day forward, she has continued to serve with loyalty and dedication.
Mrs Cox is, in every sense, quite a character — and her presence will be deeply missed by colleagues and students alike. Her retirement is thoroughly well‑earned after such extraordinary service.
Headteacher Nick McSweeney said: “Jo has been part of the fabric of The Emmbrook for so long that it’s hard to imagine the school without her. Her dedication has been simply outstanding. It is no small achievement to still be working in your 80s—and doing so with such energy, care, and good spirit.
“It’s no secret that I love The Emmbrook and have no plans to ever go anywhere else, but even I can’t see myself working here until my 80s!
“We are incredibly grateful for all that Jo has given to the school, and she is thoroughly deserving of a happy, restful, and very well‑earned retirement.”
The entire Emmbrook community extends its heartfelt thanks to Mrs Cox for her exceptional contributions over so many years. We wish her joy, good health, and a wonderfully relaxing retirement after a lifetime of service.
