Summer Heights High Principal Retires.

AT THE end of her voluminous resume, retiring Camberwell High School principal Elida Brereton has one short entry: ''Miss Margaret Murray in ABC's Summer Heights High.''

To a legion of fans she is the no-nonsense principal in the mockumentary television series starring Chris Lilley.

But in reality Summer Heights High is only a footnote to a long and distinguished career in education - including 15 years at the helm of Camberwell High, from which Ms Brereton will retire at the end of the year.

It's time for a new person to lead the school, she says, and she's anxious ''to have more of a life''. She has tired of spending her weekends answering emails.

''I've been very well treated by people and I've had some terrific mentors,'' she says. ''Having people who believe in you - you can't have too much of that.''

Parents and colleagues tell of a warm and caring principal who came dressed in school uniform on muck-up days, is a dogged Geelong supporter with a wicked sense of humour and is a passionate advocate of public education.

Ms Brereton has been awarded a Silver Jubilee medal for services to education, been involved in shaping the Australian curriculum and is a co-author of four best-selling geography textbooks.

Education Minister Bronwyn Pike, whose two eldest sons went to Camberwell High, said her children greatly appreciated Ms Brereton's care. ''She has a great memory and is widely known and loved by many parents, students and colleagues in education,'' Ms Pike said.

And Ms Brereton found the role of principal hard to shrug off - while filming scenes for Summer Heights High she often found herself instinctively bending down to pick up litter.

The years of work have paid off - based on year 12 results, Camberwell High is in the top 12 government schools.

Ms Brereton says her happiest memories are of spending time with students at valedictory evenings and school camps.

''It's a lovely school, the students are very good natured and diligent, the staff are excellent and the parents are supportive. I'm going to miss them,'' she says.

Ms Brereton plans to do part-time work with the Department of Education and travel through the Middle East.