Final school bell rings after 40 years

The thought she might end up teaching a third generation of families was enough to tell Palmerston North teacher Shanti Budhia it was time to retire.

The Queen Elizabeth College deputy principal has been working in education for 40 years, but is retiring at the end of the term.

She has taught the children of students and although she hasn’t taught the grandchildren of any students yet, she believed it might not be far away.

‘‘Being able to teach the children of the students I started teaching, it has been interesting to go through those generations. Once the grandchildren arrive that’s when I have to leave.’’

It had been an enjoyable career, being part of the school community and getting to know people, but she believed it was the right time to leave.

Originally from Christchurch, she briefly worked at Air New Zealand before going to teachers’ college, then a job at Queen Elizabeth College brought her to Manawatu¯ in 1981.

Starting under Mike O’Connor, she worked under five principals.

She did have some spells off for study and an overseas trip, but otherwise has been part of the furniture at the school.

All that time she has always looked for ways to learn and improve.

She has taught economics, English, social studies, consumer studies and English for speakers of other languages.

She has been deputy principal for the past 11 years and was an assistant principal for about six years, but is still in the classroom taking classes in food and nutrition and English for speakers of other languages.

The school roll is about 300 now, but when she started it was about 1000.

‘‘It was the days when this school was run by high school board before

Tomorrow’s Schools. There was a ballot system for students coming in.

‘‘The roll numbers were fairly evenly spread. That deregulation, people could choose where they wanted to go.’’

Tomorrow’s Schools was the selfgoverning model of schools introduced in 1989.

She had enjoyed supporting students and felt the school was clear it was heading in a good direction.

‘‘Every student has their own story. They really do and you have to be mindful of that.’’

In retirement, she would like to spend more time with friends and family, catching up on reading and getting fit.