AFTER 30 years in his post, School of Total Education principal Richard Waters says now felt like a "good time" to hand over the reins.

Mr Waters announced his retirement from the position to the school community two weeks ago, and said solicitor Shane Power - a school parent who has been a member of the board for almost 20 years - would take over next year.

He said his decision to step back brought about mixed feelings.

"Especially when you've been in a role for a long time," Mr Waters said.

"I'll miss the teaching part in particular. In any organisation, you've got to think of what's best for the organisation as well as for yourself.

"It's the idea of succession planning and making sure there is someone leading into the future."

In his new role, Mr Waters will become the director of institution for Total Health and Eduction. There, he will help promote the idea of total education, including making it available and understood in broader education.

He said he would still maintain a relationship with the school.

"I'll certainly be there to support the transition to the new principal," he said.

"I'll be staying involved in teacher training for the school - as the school's got older, we're needing younger generations of teachers to take the school forwards.

"Everyone brings their own style to a job and I think Shane will make his own mark on the role - it will be different to mine but will still be very strong and very caring."

Mr Waters said coming from a legal rather than an educational background would work in Mr Power's favour. The role of a principal, he explained, had changed a lot in the past 10-15 years.

"There are a lot more government regulations which really require a strong understanding of the law," he said.

"Things such as health and safety, child protection and food hygiene, as well as education. And I think that will be a real strength he will bring to the role.

"He's also a people person and has strong support from his wife, and he's done a lot of community work through the local football association."

Mr Waters said the announcement had been received well by members of the school community.

"People have been positive about the change and see it's a good time," he said.

"They think Shane will be the right person for the job."