FIVE staff at St Philomena's School bid farewell to their fellow co-workers and students on Wednesday, bringing to an end over 80 years' worth of combined service at the school.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Staff were farewelled at a special assembly at the school, farewelling crossing guard Gwyneth Kelly, supporter teacher Kelly Farr, ground and maintenance worker Brian Keogh, teacher assistant Sharon Weber and principal Louise Davies.
Ms Davies - who will be going on to work part-time with Holy Family Primary School in 2021 - is looking forward to the changes and challenges ahead.
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
"It's a bitter-sweet feeling," she said after the farewell assembly.
"I'm just looking forward to the changes and challenges that are ahead."
Ms Davies had been at St Philomena's for 29 years and in her time had served as assistant principal, the religious education coordinator, librarian and classroom teacher before her last role as principal.
Ms Weber - who is retiring after 22 years at St Philomena's - said she's having mixed feelings too.
"I'm happy to be retiring but I'm sad too because I really enjoy the school and the children," she said.
"I think I've contributed to this school and I've seen so many children come through. Even a teacher here - Kate Holden - was here as a kid when I started."
Ms Weber previously served as an literacy and numeracy aid, an infant's support teacher and was the first teacher assistant in the school's history.
She said she'll be spending more time delving into ancestry and genealogy in her retirement.
She'll also be finally reunited with her daughter and grandchildren, as she heads down to Melbourne on Thursday.
Ms Kelly - who has been the crossing guard for five years - was acknowledged for "keeping children and families safe before and after school".
Ms Farr has been at the school for 14 years, being a support teacher, classroom teacher and a primary music teacher.
Mr Keogh has been involved with the school for 13 years by caring for the grounds and being involved with modifications to the school's environment.