School's out for VP after 27 years

After more than a quarter-century at Eaton Primary School, vice-principal Peter Martinson will ring his last school bell next week before settling into retirement.

Mr Martinson has been in an administrative role at the helm of the school for 27 years and said it was time for a break.

However, the 61-year-old will not stay away from the school for long.

"There are some jobs around the school I still want to help out with - the students will probably see me gardening," Mr Martinson said.

He has also been involved with the Eaton Foreshore Festival since its beginning and said he would continue to help with the school's main fundraising event.

Next Friday, July 3, will be Mr Martinson's last day at the school, where the well-respected educator will receive a presentation from students during the school's assembly.

Speaking to the _South Western Times _this week, Mr Martinson was obviously feeling the emotions of his departure.

He said he would miss having contact with the students.

"I've had kids that thought they couldn't learn anything and I've said to them, 'Today I'm going to teach you something you don't know' - and I did," he said.

"You build a rapport and it's not so much me making contact with the kids but the kids making contact with you - an adult they might usually think twice about approaching."

Mr Martinson has been nominated twice by parents and teachers for the National Excellence in Teaching Awards.

He said one of his career highlights was being the puppeteer to school mascot Solomon the Pelican, who hands out awards to students during assemblies and has a "distinct catch-cry".

Mr Martinson's plans post-retirement include an overseas trip, a fishing holiday in Shark Bay and more golf.