The Trevallyn Primary School principal will retire at the end of this year after serving in three Tasmanian schools across 23 years.

She began her principal career at Avoca Primary School in 1992, followed by a five-year stint as principal at Evandale Primary School, before she began her current position in 2003.

Mrs McFadzean is believed to be one of the longest serving female principals in the state.

Speaking yesterday about her retirement, Mrs McFadzean said she felt quite emotional over her decision to leave.

‘‘I am retiring at a time when I still really love my job but have so many other things that I would still love to do,’’ she said.

‘‘I would love to have an opportunity to spend more time with my grandson, and I’m going back to university to do my masters of social work.

‘‘I’ve been at school since I was four years old – it is like I have never left – so it will be wonderful to experience a new chapter of my life.’’

Mrs McFadzean said one of her standout achievements was building the Developing Social Responsibility program at Trevallyn.

She provided an example of when a class of grade 5 and 6 pupils chose to donate $2000 to charity.

‘‘The program is about ensuring that our students become responsible and accountable citizens,’’ she said.

‘‘This year, when the students won $2000 for the state Anzac Awards they chose to donate that money to people in need. There are so many things they could have bought for themselves or the school but that is what they chose to do and I just felt so proud of them.

‘‘It gave me such satisfaction and hope for the future.’’