Coleen Hill has been a fixture of Proserpine State High School staff for almost 50 years, but no longer.

Having attended the high school from 1963-66 before returning to teach for the past 48 years, Mrs Hill has officially retired.

"I just think it's time," she said.

"I have grandchildren now and my mum is turning 90 in January, so I'd just like a bit more family time."

With more than five decades at the school, Mrs Hill said there was quite a bit different from her time as a student.

"There was myself and two others in my senior Home Ec, so it was very small compared to what we've got now," she said.

"There was only A and B block, so not many buildings.

"And the library was just a few shelves along the back of one of the rooms."

Things have changed on the teaching front too.

"When I first started teaching Home Ec we taught drafting and pattern making for dressmaking," she said.

"That no longer exists any more, so that was one big change.

"There's a lot more pressure on teachers today, they have a lot more expectactions to meet.

"They have to sit and mark exams every five week unit, as well as doing risk management and so much more."

Despite stepping away from her time at PSHS, Mrs Hill said she has many fond memories she would carry with her.

"There's some wonderful students that have been through the school and you get a real thrill seeing them grow up," she said.

"It's never a dull moment, put it that way. It changes from day to day."

With some newfound spare time on her hands, Mrs Hill said she hoped to catch up on things around the house - and take a much-needed holiday.

"But I will miss it a lot," she said. "Thank you for being part of my life for all these years - it's been a wonderful career."