Local teacher, Judith Powell, is retiring after more than 40 years of teaching and 37 years of nurturing young minds at Yarrunga Primary School.

Judith started her schooling at the Boweya Primary School and then went to the Wangaratta Technical School before attending Bendigo Teachers College.

Judith said she was one of the last three-year trained teachers before the course went to four years.

“I finished training in 1982,” she said.

Judith had some short-term placements at Rutherglen teaching grade 5, Benalla West in their art room before being offered a job in Shepparton as a district relieving teacher based at Wilmot Road for about four years.

“This was a fantastic experience for a new teacher,” she said.

Judith moved back to Wangaratta in 1988 to teach a grade 5 class at Wangaratta West Primary School for the last term of the year.

The following year she was offered a job at Wangaratta Primary School or Yarrunga Primary School.

Juith said she chose Yarrunga Primary School, and the rest is history.

“Over the last 37 years I have seen many changes at the school and within the education department,” she said.

“I have taught every grade level at the school, starting in the senior school and ending in the infant area whilst I had three children of my own who also attended Yarrunga Primary School.”

In 2009 Judith was nominated for the Inspirational Teaching Awards by members of the school community at Yarrunga Primary School.

“It didn't go any further than this, but I was honoured to be nominated,” Judith said.

“My passion has always been engaging young people in education even from birth.

“This is why I started a 'Books for Babies' program and a 'Book Worm Club' for children zero to four years olds and their families in the Yarrunga Primary School Library.

“I have been coordinating the transition of the kindergarten children and their families to primary school for Yarrunga Primary School, but I also have been the coordinator of 'The Wangaratta Community Network Group' for kindergarten and infant teachers in and around Wangaratta.

“This group met four times a year to listen to speakers and have time to network with likeminded educators who all just want to do the best for the students in their care.”

At the beginning of this year, Judith received a certificate for 40 years’ service of education.

“It's been a privilege to be part of this Yarrunga community,” she said.

“I have really enjoyed working alongside some amazing staff and it's going to be really difficult to say goodbye.

“This community has really been my second family, and I will miss the children, families and the staff as I finish fulltime teaching and start pursuing other interests including travelling and spending more time with my grandkids."