AFTER 45 years of teaching, Carcoola Primary School music teacher Chris Evans will retire at the end of the school term.
Mrs Evans began her teaching career at Melville Junior Primary School in 1969 before moving to Pinjarra.
After a short stay at Pinjarra Primary School and a five-year hiatus from teaching after the birth of her daughter, Jen, Mrs Evans found her way to Carcoola Primary School in 1981.
“I met with the music teacher at Carcoola; she was moving to Perth and asked me if I wanted to do it,” she said.
“It worked out really well.”
Thirty-three years later the popular 65-year-old is now ready to call it a day.
“I will miss it; I’ve done it for so long,” she said.
Mrs Evans said she would particularly miss seeing the enjoyment on the children’s faces when a musical item she had taught them worked out well.
“It makes you feel good, it’s a proud moment,” she said
Mrs Evans said one of the biggest highlights over her career was the Christmas pageants.
“It was a tradition for more than 30 years for the students to sing So This Is Christmas with the year six and seven students doing the lead,” she said.
Despite having a love for music, Mrs Evans wasn’t particularly musical as a child, having to teach herself on the job.
“I learnt violin for a year back in England but stopped when my dad had to move for work,” she said.
“I actually taught myself to play guitar during my first year a Pinjarra [Primary School].
“I have small hands so I started with a ukulele then moved to the guitar.”
Mrs Evans said she knew chords but had always wanted to learn to finger pick; something she said she will do in her retirement.
Even though there is a wealth of new musical equipment Mrs Evans still has the guitar that was brought for her when she started at Carcoola.
“I’ve had the same guitar for 33 years,” she said.
Mrs Evans said she had loved her time at Carcoola but by the sounds of things it won’t be long before she is back.
“I think I will volunteer next year and run an after- school instrumental group,” she said.
Carcoola Primary School is inviting past students, staff and parents back to the school to celebrate Mrs Evans career.
There will be a party at the school on December 12 from 4pm; RSVP by December 1 on 9531 1399 or email Carcoola.PS@education.wa.edu.au