It is the end of an era for four Muswellbrook TAFE teachers and one staff member, who will put down the books for the last time next Friday to retire.
Robert Comerford, who has worked in the electrical department for five years, Tony Newman, who has worked in fitting and machining for 14 years as a general assistant caretaker, Graeme Wittig, who has worked in fitting and machining for 27 years, Stephanie Macfarlane, who has been a part of general education for 24 years and Elizabeth Mackenzie, who has worked in general education for 33 years, will be farewelled by the campus at a combined Christmas in July and goodbye party next week.
Long-time teacher Mr Wittig said he had really enjoyed his time teaching in Muswellbrook.
“I was appointed here and never felt the need to move on to another campus,” he said.
He said he would remember the great students that had gone through the course over his 27 years.
“By far and away the kids have been really good. In the main they have been a fantastic bunch,” Mr Wittig said.
In retirement the Muswellbrook resident said he hoped to spend more time with his family and do some travelling.
“We have tentative plans to take a trip in August next year, but at the moment I am just going to take it easy,” he said.
Taking it easy for a while is also on the mind of Mr Newman, who said he was looking forward to doing as little as possible on retirement.
“We are going on a three week holiday and then we will just play it by ear,” he said.
Mr Newman decided on a career change from newspaper printing and editing about 15 years ago.
As the general assistant caretaker in the fitting and machining department he has been responsible for helping students with their tools and materials.
“I have really enjoyed the contact with the students,” he said.
Also full of praise for his colleagues, Mr Newman said he had always had a good rapport with the staff, which had made going to work everyday pleasant.
Campus coordinator Debbie Laarkamp said the five teachers had been replaced, however their absence would leave a gap at the campus.
“Losing five teachers with so much experience on a small campus at once will be felt,” she said.
Ms Laarkamp said during her time in the TAFE system she had never had so many teachers retire together.