Admired teachers David Anderson, Dee Martin, Ray England and wife Kerry spoke fondly of the school to the Tribune only hours before leaving their long-time place of work.

Individually, each has given a great portion of their life to the small rural school. But all were quick to praise the past and present students and acknowledge the colleagues who helped make their working life the joy it was.

David began his career at the High School in 1979 and has been a welcome presence ever since. He has dedicated three decades of his life to teaching maths and physical education. A noted weightlifting coach, David helped students train for major tournaments. In recent years, the Yass High School has broken five Australian records.

The school’s gymnasium is named in his honour.

“It’s been a privilege to teach at this school,” he said. “I’m really happy both of my children were educated here because it really is a fine school,” he said.

David, who is noted for his wicked sense of humour, will be missed unconditionally by staff and students.

He and his wife, Berinba Primary School teacher Sue, hope to squeeze in plenty of travelling in the near future.

Dee Martin arrived at the Yass High School to teach maths in 1986. Little did she know, she would still be teaching at the same school 23-and-a-half years later.

And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“There’s so many opportunities and such a variety of things to do at Yass High,” she said. “That’s the advantage of small schools.”

Dee, who in 2002 accepted a position as the Head of Teaching and Learning, considered herself lucky to have held a job that opened so many doors.

“My role has given me the chance to work with different teachers in different fields. I’ve been involved with a huge range of things. Nothing has ever been boring,” she said.

Dee said the highlight of her career was becoming involved with students’ lives and tracking their progress through life. “At a small school you tend to be more involved with the students’ lives. It makes me proud to see what many of them have gone onto achieve.”