One of the longest serving teachers in the region was officially farewelled by her former co-workers and students on Monday.

Sandra Jackson officially decided to end her formal association with the school at the end of the 2007 school year, and at the Monday morning liturgy, was presented with a parting gift on behalf of the staff and students at the school.

Mrs Jackson’s retirement ended a 35-year career at the school, during which she had a profound influence on an untold number of the students whom she taught and nurtured.

“I started here in 1973, and I just felt that I needed some time to do a few things for myself,” Mrs Jackson told the Oberon Review.

“I think you just know when enough is enough.”

Sandra was presented with a decorated plate with pictures of students and staff on it, and was very happy to be honoured in such a way.

“It is lovely to come back and see everyone again,” she said to the students gathered at St Ignatius’ church.

“I’ll be keeping an eye on you all and seeing how you are going from afar in the future,” she said.

“I was tempted to ring a few of the teachers at 6.50 in the morning last week when school went back just to wish them well, but unfortunately I wasn’t awake that early.”

Mrs Jackson told the Review that despite the knowledge that she will have plenty more free time to herself and her family, she will still miss her job in some ways.

“I will miss the people, and in particular the students,” she said.

“Now I will be taking some time to help my daughter get settled into university – she starts in Wollongong in a few weeks, and I also plan to travel a little – we are going overseas next year,” she explained.

“I just want to do a few of the things that you simply don’t have time to do when you are working.”

Sandra spent her time at St Josephs teaching in the primary and infants departments, and spent eleven years as the Primary Co-ordinator.