THE last day of the school term heralded a sad farewell for the students of Glennie Heights, as their devoted principal Robyn Cummings hung up her teacher’s hat for the final time.

Mrs Cummings has retired from teaching after dedicating the past 32 years of her life to educating children.

While she is eagerly anticipating spending her retirement trekking around Australia with her husband Bart, Mrs Cummings said she will miss the job she loved and which has given her amazing memories.

“I started off in special education because I had cousins with disabilities. That was my passion,” she said.

“I have been a very privileged teacher and I don’t think there is a day that has gone by that I haven’t wanted to come to work.

“This is the first time I have ever counted down to the holidays.”

Mrs Cumming said being principal had been her most treasured role throughout her teaching career.

At one stage she was the youngest principal in Catholic Education.

“Being a principal is fantastic because you can make a difference in what happens in the school,” she said.

Mrs Cummings has fought hard during her five years at Glennie Heights to bring new technology, extra resources and better facilities to the school and she estimates about $3.5 million worth of improvements have taken place during that time.

Surrounded by students and parents was Mrs Cummings’ ideal way to spend her final day as a school principal.

They enjoyed a sausage sizzle and cake and Mrs Cummings was spoiled with an array of flowers and gifts from the appreciative students, staff and parents.

“The staff wanted to do a dinner but it’s all about the kids, so we did it here so they can all be here,” she said.