The 61-year-old has been teaching for 39 years - 32 of them at East Otago High School.
Mrs Malloch was born in New South Wales, Australia, and began her secondary teaching career in Sydney, teaching English and history. But it was love that brought her to East Otago.
''I started teaching in a fairly rough area of Sydney in the southwest, and then I met a New Zealand farmer by the name of David Malloch.''
The couple married in 1978 and Mrs Malloch came to New Zealand to live just north of Waikouaiti, near their farms.
''I did some relieving at East Otago High School in 1981, and got the permanent job as the form 1 home teacher in 1982.
''I taught English, social studies and maths and senior English. I really loved teaching in that area of the school.
''I've had the most wonderful career here, but I particularly enjoyed those first few years here.''
Mrs Malloch was proud of her work at the school, particularly in the theatre and drama departments. She directed the school's musicals between 1989 and 1999, as well as directing dramas at the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival.
''I've loved the company of students and I've enjoyed their successes. There's nothing better than to have a student come back to you and tell you about how well they've done.
''That's the sort of thing that has really given me a lot of satisfaction.''
Mrs Malloch said when the time finally came to leave the school in December, it would be the people she would miss most.
''I'll miss the students and their good humour and vibrancy, I'll miss the company of the staff, and the connection the school has with the community.
''One of the reasons I stayed at this school was because I feel part of the community.''
Mrs Malloch said her job was so busy, she had not yet had time to think much about what she would do in her retirement.
However, going back to study was on the cards.
''I've been swamped with work. I'm just trying to get through to the end of the year.
''I'm going to have a rest first, then I'm looking forward to going out and helping my husband on the farm and getting into the garden.
''I'll just see what turns up. I may do some further study - that appeals to me - particularly in ancient history. I enjoyed it when I was in school.''
