School custodian gets heartfelt send off on her last day

Barb Condon has spent the last 35 years of her life cleaning up other people's messes.

Working as a school custodian, Condon swept hallways, cleaned bathrooms and dusted desks all in an effort to make West Kent Elementary School, in Charlottetown, P.E.I., shine for her students.

Barb, you are a tremendous friend to staff and students alike. You're great to share a laugh, do a favour and watch out for our students. Principal Michelle LeClair

But on the day she retired, it was the students' turn to give back with a surprise retirement party fit for a queen.

Thirty minutes before the final bell on Condon's last day, she was called to the school gym.

To her surprise, she was met with thunderous applause. The entire school community every teacher, student and staff member was on hand to express their gratitude. The school even invited Condon's family to be part of the celebration.

Principal Michelle LeClair opened the assembly by talking about Condon's kindness and generosity.

"Barb, you are a tremendous friend to staff and students alike," she said.

"You're great to share a laugh, do a favour and watch out for our students. You've done many things for staff and students over the years and especially for our students with special needs. You've done these things quietly and never looked for thanks or recognition."

'I'm happy, I'm tearful'

The Grade 4 to 6 choir sang a special song written just for the occasion, and every child in the school gave her a homemade card to express their thanks and wish Condon well in her retirement.

"You are wonderful ... Each and every one of you. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart," she said. "I love you all and thank you very much."

The school closed the assembly by playing Thank You For Being a Friend, the popular Golden Girls theme.

At the end of the school day, the kids stopped to give Condon one last squeeze as they filtered outside. She promised to return for school concerts and the upcoming Grade 6 graduation in June.

Rather than a gold watch, the traditional retirement tribute, Condon received something much more valuable when she hung up her broom lots and lots of love.

"I can't get over it, really. It's what everybody dreams of, really it's true to feel like you're special ... and I do," she said. "I'm happy, I'm tearful, I'm going to miss all the kids, I love them all."