AFTER many years teaching at All Saints Parish School, Georgia Murrell is retiring.

Mrs Murrell was moved to tears last Thursday when students and teachers surprised her by dressing up to resemble her and her favourite black and white colours.

Mrs Murrell has taught for 36 years at All Saints Parish School and 40 years altogether.

She worked at the old All Saints Parish School building behind the catholic church in 1983, moved to South Melbourne for three years and then returned to Portland to work at All Saints now located on Fawthrop Street.

“I have worked at Bayview as well, I did special support in between children,” Mrs Murrell said.

“I was working part time here (at All Saints) and part time there.

“When I was in Melbourne, I was deputy principal, but I didn't really want to do that again.

“I just wanted to be in the classroom, because when you take on a leadership role, you're always pulled out of class and you find that you’re always at meetings.

“My soul, my enjoyment and my fulfillment is being with my kids.”

After having taught every primary school grade over her experience, she said she prefers to teach seniors because of the content involved.

This year she taught grade three and four and appreciated their respectful behaviour and ability to aim high.

There have been a few challenges, but the job has been rewarding and she has loved every minute of it she said.

“It’s an amazing school, there’s great staff, always has been, that's why I'm still here,” she said.

“There's lots of opportunities for personal development. I've been in leadership, and I've been able to implement maths programs here at the school.

“It's been my routine for 40 years and particularly the staff and the leadership have just been absolutely amazing.

“Portland is a great spot to grow up and it's a great spot to bring kids up.

“I'm just overwhelmed and I'm appreciative of the school, current principal Jamie, past principals Olga and Gloria and way back, Mick McCrickard.

“I’m very appreciative of their support and their encouragement.”

Mrs Murrell plans to return for CRT (Casual Relief Teacher) work, but otherwise will enjoy her retirement visiting her daughter more frequently in Darwin, reading books, and overall doing something for herself.