She has been the heartbeat of school life for the last 34 years but now the much-loved secretary of Wendron School near Helston has retired.
Over the past three decades Susan Bennetts has seen changes in staff, worked for six headteachers and celebrated pupils becoming parents themselves - all while providing the same level of continuity throughout.
On Thursday staff and parents organised a surprise leaving party at the Light and Life Church, ahead of her final day at the school on Friday.
The hall was filled parents, pupils, members of the community and staff, both present and past, with many previous staff members returning for the occasion.
As she arrived to cheers and applause, Mrs Bennetts remarked: "I did wonder why there was no netball club!"
Year 6 pupils presented a poem they had written describing everything they loved about Mrs Bennetts, using the letters of her name.
The school choir then performed a special rendition of the song 'Sing', written by Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Concert, which features the lyrics: "Some words they can't be spoken only sung; so hear a thousand voices shouting love."
It was arranged by choir leader and Year 3/4 teacher Sarah Coleman, who is also Mrs Bennetts' daughter.
She told her mother: "The sheer volume of people here is a testament to how much you are appreciated.
"I've been privileged to work alongside you mum for 15 years, which isn't anything either of us sought out to do or expected, but I wouldn't have had it any other way."
Wendron School secretary Susan Bennetts at her surprise retirement party with daughter Sarah Coleman, Year 3/4 teacher. (Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet)
She also shared everyone's appreciated for the Wendron School Association PTA for catering the event, adding: "We are truly blessed to have such amazing community spirit at Wendron."
Headteacher Tash Williams also spoke, beginning her speech by revealing: "You have no idea how difficult this has been to keep secret!"
She went to on to say: "One of the things that is wonderful about Mrs Bennetts is her absolutely calming influence she has on everybody. That wonderful presence at the heart of our school.
"What makes Mrs Bennetts so special is just how well she knows every single one of our families.
"I honestly don't know how we are ever going to survive without you! But what you leave as your legacy is love and calmness."
Mrs Bennetts spots former headteacher Matt Oakley among the guests (Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet)
Flowers and gifts were presented on behalf of the parents and pupils, and from the staff both present and past.
Speaking afterwards, Mrs Bennetts told the Packet she had "thoroughly enjoyed" her 34 years at Wendron, for its children, parents and such a close-knit group of staff.
"It's a lovely, caring school and it's been a real privilege to work here," she added.
She said the surprise party in her honour was somewhat overwhelming but "really lovely," adding: "A huge thank you to everyone who did anything, even by being there."
Mrs Bennetts plans to use her extra free time during retirement on gardening, travelling and spending time with her grandchildren.
However, she has no intention of cutting ties with the school altogether, adding: "I've already told them I'm coming back for every nativity, sports day and school play - I'm not leaving forever!"