After 16 years as principal at the primary school, Barry Goode reckons that Golden Square runs in his blood.
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He has lived in the suburb, been a part of the community, and his own three children went through the school.
It will make it a big change when he steps down as principal at the end of the year.
The start of a career
Mr Goode came to teaching later in life than most.
After finishing the HSC he worked on the family farm at Kyabram for 12 years.
Mr Goode traveled, played sport and eventually he got married. At this point he decided he was ready to go and study.
It’s a decision he has never regretted.
Mr Goode began his teaching career at Cardross Primary School, near Mildura, after studying in Bendigo.
He and his wife had thought they might stay around Mildura for two years, but they ended up there for 12.
After teaching at Cardross Mr Goode moved to Mildura West Primary School, then back to Cardross to take on on the role of principal.
In 2002 he applied for the position of principal at Golden Square Primary School, then in Laurel Street.
Two schools’ long journey
In 16 years at a school there’s bound to be some changes, and Golden Square has seen at least its fair share.
A merger in 2010 saw two schools become one school.
Golden Square Primary, and Maple Street Primary became a single school, spread across two campuses.
It was a long wait before both could move into a new facility in June 2015.
The time was a big challenge, probably the biggest challenge Mr Goode faced as principal.
He attributed the school’s successful amalgamation to a huge effort from the school community.
When Golden Square finally moved into its new facilities, he was just glad to have it finished.
“It was a big challenge. Probably one of the biggest challenges I’ve had in my career,” Mr Goode said.
“It was very much a team effort.”
Taking on leadership
Mr Goode had no ambitions towards the role of principal in the early days of his career.
His first roles were in the classroom, and as a physical education teacher.
Taking on leadership positions “just sort of evolved”.
Once he ended up in that position, you just try to do your best, Mr Goode said.
Mr Goode prides himself on building a connection with the children in his care.
He’ll also poke his head into classrooms every day, just to say “G’day”.
It’s also why parents can see him on the school crossing every morning, and every afternoon, ready to have a chat.
Mr Goode said he enjoys the opportunity as principal to develop really strong relationships with people in the community, particularly with children.
“That’s where you get the pleasure, in seeing them grow and seeing them achieve, and be happy in school,” Mr Goode said.
“That’s the stuff I’ll probably miss the most.. that connection with kids and seeing them grow, and seeing them achieve, and seeing how proud they are when they achieve.
“That’s where you get the pleasure in seeing them… be happy in school.”
What Golden Square students see
Mr Goode’s relational attitude to school leadership is something the children in his care have definitely noticed.
Grade 6 student Ava said Mr Goode was always kind, and never gets too grumpy, but isn’t too nice either.
She also liked that he went for Essendon.
“He’s very nice and he’s funny when you’re nice to him,” Ava said.
“He cares for us all, and it doesn’t matter if you’re different, he still cares for us.
“[He’s] kind kind to everyone and making sure everyone feels welcome.”
Bella in grade 6 had a similar take on Mr Goode’s style as principal.
“I like that he’s always nice… and if you need any help, he’ll come and help you, and he gives good advice,” Mr Goode said.
“ [He’s] someone that’s really kind and caring and understands others.”
Finishing in a strong position
It’s been a big 16 years at Golden Square, but Mr Goode is happy to leave the school in a strong position.
Being principal is a demanding job, and you just can’t do it forever, so he has taken the chance to step back.
The position is an opportunity for someone 20 years younger, he said.
“The school is in a really strong position,” Mr Goode said.
“We haven’t really looked back since we’ve come here.”
He plans to finish up at the end of term, then survey the landscape, before making any firm decisions about what he does next.
There is one landscape he’s definitely going to have an immediate footing in.
His newly built house sits on three acres, as yet almost untouched. It should keep him busy for a good while.
Sad goodbye to a strong community
Mr Goode has loved the strong, welcoming community at Golden Square Primary School.
“They’re just a great community. Because my three children came through the school, I’ve been fortunate to be a principal, but also a member of the school community,” Mr Goode said.
“Golden Square has been in my blood really since I’ve been here.
“It’s been an absolute honour and a privilege, and it’s probably I who should thank the community.”
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