Friday is her last day at Silverstream School, which was formed by the merger of Reid Park, Arthur Burns and North Taieri Schools in 2004.
But it was her husband's job as principal of the former Wedderburn School that brought her to Otago.
A school dentist by profession, she took time off to raise two sons and then combined motherhood with primary teacher training. Her own ``enjoyable and very positive'' experiences as a primary pupil inspired her to retrain.
After enjoying teaching for 17 years, she welcomed the progression to a managerial role, and was appointed principal of Reid Park School in 2001.
"There has been so much change during my principalship, and no doubt this will continue as the revised curriculum is implemented.
"The amalgamation... was a challenge. We were dealing with communities in three separate areas, and understandably, some found it hard losing control of something which had been the focus of the community.''
She believed the amalgamation programme had been largely successful.
"The children just got on with the job and settled in from day one, some parents found the process difficult... but a few months down the track, I don't think many people wanted to go back. It has worked because of amazing support from the community and it's been very positive
for the children.''
She had also enjoyed being Otago Primary Principals Association president this year, and thought exposure to "cutting edge'' educational theory and the opportunity to form relationships with other school leaders had helped her professionally.
Mrs Miller would leave Mosgiel next week to take up a position as principal of Bell Block School, New Plymouth.
She was looking forward to being back in the area where she grew up, and closer to family. Professionally, she was looking forward to the opportunity of managing a school which, unlike Silverstream, had year 7 and 8 pupils, who had a greater involvement in leadership of the school through school council activities.
A school community event last night, and a special assembly on Friday, would be "emotionally challenging,'', she said.
Board of trustees chairman Tim Clark said the school community "would be very sorry to see her go''.
"She has worked incredibly long hours, and has a passion for the job. She was principal during the Taieri network review, and helped bring the schools together... with enthusiasm, and even physically shifted furniture. We had a great ERO [Education Review Office] review last
November, so that is a great tribute to her as leader,'' he said. The school would begin interviews for a new principal next week.
Fairfield School principal Andrew Larson will replace Mrs Miller as OPPA president.
