He will close the book on his career in education at the end of the 2018 school year, and will be replaced by current deputy principal Phillip Wilson.

Mr MacCallum is only the third principal to have led Wagga Christian College since it was opened in 1990 and is the longest-serving.

He has spent almost 40 years working in education, largely in the Riverina. In addition to Wagga, Mr MacCallum has taught in Narrandera and Yanco.

When Mr MacCallum was appointed principal in 1999, Wagga Christian College was a school catering to 270 students from kindergarten to Year 12.

The school has now added a pre-school program and caters to almost 600 students.

“It has been such a privilege to be part of the education of generations of young people in the Riverina,” Mr MacCallum said.

“I feel remarkably blessed to have been able to bring an intentional and practical Christian worldview to this education to my time at WWCC. The pursuit of knowledge is wonderful, adding Godly wisdom to it makes it soar.”

Mr MacCallum’s commitment to young people extends beyond the schoolyard.

He has had ongoing roles in youth-focused activities such as church-run youth groups and camps and has been a board member and presenter at Wagga’s Life FM for almost 10 years.

Shane Raidal, the chairman of the Wagga Christian College board, has paid tribute to Mr MacCallum.

“Students, parents and staff under his leadership have been blessed with a principal who genuinely exhibits the leadership value of service. His willingness to sacrifice his own needs in order to serve the people he is a part of is integral to his makeup,” Dr Raidal said.

Mr MacCallum and his wife Julie plan to “semi-retire” closer to their children and grandchildren, but want to continue working with schools on healthy staff and student cultures.

“The communities of the Riverina have taught me about healthy communities. I am looking forward to taking this wisdom to other communities,” he said.