A life of teaching has come to an end for Timaru South School teacher Noel Veitch.

The much-loved teacher was the centre of attention yesterday as he took to the stage for a special farewell assembly, hosted by colleagues and pupils, past and present.

Mr Veitch has been teaching South Canterbury kids for the past 43 years, starting out at Timaru Main School. He moved to Waimataitai School in 1984 and Timaru South School in 1994.

Former pupils, who now attend Timaru's high schools, were among the many people who filled the Timaru South School hall to help Mr Veitch celebrate his long career.

Teachers started the celebrations by presenting pupils with certificates for their efforts over the past week.

"Little wee Noel Veitch" was also given one of the certificates "for working really hard".

Student council representatives also took to the stage to show their appreciation for their retiring teacher and to enlighten the audience about the way in which Mr Veitch would react when any of them got something wrong.

Holding placards with letters on them, the children spelt the words "Bye Noel U Plonker!" - the terminology he would often use jokingly to pupils in class.

Another of his former pupils Kaye Johnston-May, who has spent the past 18 years working alongside Mr Veitch, made an emotional speech, making reference to the many highlights over the years.

She first met Mr Veitch when she was a 10-year-old in Standard 3.

Mr Veitch said working alongside the many pupils, their parents and teachers had been "a pleasure", but he was now looking forward to spending more time with family.

Pupils and teachers presented Mr Veitch with a set of golf clubs, which he said would be put to good use over the coming years.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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