TYALGUM Public School said goodbye to its principal of 13 years last month.

Peter Meadows retired after 37 years with the Department of Education to spend more time with his partner Norma and their daughter Kate.

"After 37 years I still have an immense love for teaching," he said.

"My love for teaching is as strong as ever.

"But the administration work involved was too demanding and it began to wear me down."

The passionate educator said he was humbled by the send-off and well wishes he'd received.

"I have appreciated the wonderful sentiments and thoughts the students, staff, ex students and members of the community have given me," Mr Meadows said.

"It's all very humbling."

After 37 years I still have an immense love for teaching...My love for teaching is as strong as ever.

In his 13 years as Tyalgum's principal he said a number of things had changed.

"There have been major improvements in the facilities and playground equipment," he said.

"In the town there is incredible community support and with help from the P&C and community raffles we were able to do that.

"One of my main focuses was ensuring the Tyalgum School was very much engaged with the community."

During his time he also helped to initiate ANZAC Day dawn service for the community at the school.

Mr Meadows said he would miss the daily interaction with the children.

"I'll miss the joy of guiding and inspiring the students, and the energy they give you," he said.

"They're just delightful"

The dedicated educator said he wouldn't be leaving town and still planned to keep involved with the community though the Tyalgum Diggers' Sports Day committee and other volunteer positions.

Two of his three brothers were also in town to help him adjust to retired life this week.

But Mr Meadows said he was adjusting quite well, he spent last week at Fraser Island fishing the days away.