A packed assembly hall turned out to pay their respects to the departing head of school, with current and former students among the crowd. 

A number of figures who've worked with Mr Price over the years gave speeches on what Mr Price called 'the best day ever'.

"It really was. It's just beautiful to be a part of the Wellington community," Mr Price said. 

"The Wellington community, at school and the overall community, are the heart of the town and the school, that community feel and recognition for people, supporting people, that's what it's about."

Teacher Chris Stevens took the stage to thank Mr Price for his 'time, effort, blood, sweat and tears' that he had poured into St Mary's over the past ten years. 

"I know Mr Price always had it in his mind that he was to try and do what was best for the school and I thank him for that and I thank him for the way he has always supported us all in that endeavour to make this a great school," Mr Stevens said. 

READ ALSO: 

"He always had that in his heart and I know it's not always easy, but I thank him for that and for the way he's always supported me over the years."

Members of the school and representatives of the Parents and Friends association also gave the former principal gifts to commemorate their time working alongside him. 

"I received two beautiful pieces of Aboriginal artwork from Denise Kelly," Mr Price said. 

"From coming outside the community, to be give that sort of present that is so embedded in the beauty of that part of Wellington touched me deeply."

Mr Price made the decision to retire after receiving a serious injury in a cycling accident in February of last year and despite the unfortunate circumstances, is confident that the team in charge of St Mary's.

"There's a great team of executives at the school ready and willing to take over from me and I had no hesitation in retiring, because it would be so well run in my absence," Mr Price said."

"It was an honor to be leading the school."

"The amount of work that goes into running a school or being an educator these days, has gone up so much in the last few years, and it's lovely to be recognised for it."