Mrs Grace said seeing so many people from the Kaeo community at the prizegiving - and her family, who had surprised her by coming up from the Waikato - was "very emotional".
The whole year had been filled with tributes put on by the school, including a Mrs Grace-themed float in the Kaeo Christmas parade.
She had no regrets about retiring but regretted that the time had come around so quickly. Kaeo School, where she had spent most of her life, would remain one of her favourite places.
Mrs Grace said she would use her retirement to spend more time with her family, take up golf again, go fishing, travel, pursue her love of photography and finish the book she had been working on for years. She would also refocus her work in the community. She has been a Scout leader, ballet teacher, JP and marriage celebrant, and is a key member of the Kaeoannes, Kiwi Can Trust and Whangaroa Game Fishing Club.
Mr Barker said Mrs Grace was almost always the first at school and the last to leave.
"She's a wonderful teacher, always caring for each child, looking for ways to find their passion and to encourage them to work hard and to do their best. She's a loyal and helpful colleague and a professional and positive role model for others," he said.
She was known for her annual survival camp plus her energy and determination during the school's "killer hill" walk, usually outdoing the children and parents accompanying her.
She drove the introduction of technology at Kaeo Primary and had what was probably the best science table in the north.
Room 1 pupil Tui Lenden, 11, described Mrs Grace as "fun, kind and wise".
"She always helps us if we're struggling."
