The dedicated educator and Corlette mother of three marked 40 years of teaching, 30 years as a principal and 20 years as head of the Bobs Farm school at a special recess ceremony, including a cake cutting and presentation of flowers, last Thursday.

Teachers, staff, students and parents gathered in the school grounds to honour Ms Elliott's long service and dedication to the tiny, boutique school and to education in Port Stephens.

"Forty years may sound like a long time but the years have just flown by. I feel young because I'm constantly surrounded by children," Ms Elliott said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bobs Farm, a two teacher school, because of its uniqueness, the parents and children and the fantastic environment."

Asked if there had been a highlight in her 40 years at Bobs Farm, where enrolments number between 30 and 40 each year, Ms Elliott said that every day was a highlight.

"We may be small and tucked away but the positive ambience and colour makes it an absolute pleasure to come every day. And while I remain passionate about teaching and healthy, I intend to continue here at Bobs Farm for some years to come," she said.

Ms Elliott got her start in the education system as a relief teacher in Temora district in 1981.

For the next decade she taught at Ungarie, Singleton and Irrawang public schools before taking on her first principal's position with Millers Forest Public.

In 2001 Ms Elliott was appointed principal at Bobs Farm where she has remained, ensuring the teaching staff maintain the highest integrity and concern for the wellbeing of students.

Her tertiary accomplishments during the past four decades include a teaching diploma (1979), bachelor of arts (1986) and master of educational studies (1995).

Fellow staff and parents provided a glowing endorsement of Ms Elliott's leadership role, who also has a kind and caring nature.

"I don't know of any school where there is so much support for the teaching staff and where all the parents get together socially once every three months. Ms Elliott is held in very high regard," one parent said.

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