Retiring on Friday, Mr Cordell said he had thoroughly enjoyed his career.

Mr Cordell started teaching at Queenstown and has held a number of senior staff positions at schools including Spreyton, Miandetta, Fingal and Scottsdale Primary.

He has been teaching at Hagley for 12 years.

Mr Cordell said he had spent 30 years holding senior staff positions including senior teacher, principal, assistant principal, acting principal and co-principal.

"Everyone should have a good teacher in their lives, one to give encouragement and a spark to learning - I hope for some (pupils) that has been me," he said.

"I particularly enjoyed the more rural service, not just being part of the school community but having the opportunity to be part of the wider community and contribute to it.

"I have a passionate belief that there is good in everyone, no matter how troubled or from what background a child comes from - something which has influenced me in my role.

"The job is more than being a teacher - you are often privy to and trusted with private and sensitive information on a family's situation. Being able to help, or point those concerned in the right direction for help, is very rewarding.

"It is also always wonderful to meet ex-students who have done marvellous things in their lives and realise you have played a small part in their journey."

Mr Cordell has many memories including chasing possums out of chimneys in a principal's residence, removing a swarm of bees from a residence, running film nights in school halls on old projectors (before videos and DVDs) and herding cattle on the school oval in his car.