Bairnsdale West Primary School said farewell to retiring principal Doug Vickers at a special school assembly last Wednesday.
Mr Vickers has left his mark on the school community, teachers and students alike.
Teacher Paul West was MC for the salute. Mr Vickers was very much a hands-on leadership principal and was at home in the playground with the students or educating any education department official he thought needed to be put on the right track.
Opening the tribute to Mr Vickers, Auntie Dottie Moffatt summed up his performance when she said “Doug made the school feel safe for the young Aboriginal children
and all children that have passed through the school while he was in the principal’s chair”.
One of Mr Vickers’ dynamic strengths was his ability to remember nearly every child’s name in the school either by their first name or nickname. That strength or asset was reinforced by students who mentioned on stage or on the big screen who said they loved or liked Mr Vickers because he knew their name, or he would share a joke with them in the playground.
Past student Gabby Foster said Mr Vickers was more like a mentor than a principal and she thanked him for his kindness empathy and wisdom.
“He has helped shape me to make me the person l have become,” she said.
Lauren Fox, on behalf of the deaf students that passed through the school, appeared on the big screen thanking Mr Vickers for his understanding and assistance to the young deaf community and their families.
Current students Bonnie Anderson and Lil Britton described Mr Vickers as cheeky, loud and passionate, always chatting and always saying ‘gidday’ as well as always being polite and having a positive attitude.
Dr Doris Paton, who supports the school’s improvement in the understanding of Gunaikurnai culture, has developed a strong partnership with the school.
“When l first met Doug l was taken aback a little but in Doug l witnessed truth, honesty and passion for his community and his school.
I value his friendship,” she said.
Mr Vickers was described by teachers as a relentless thinker. Some of his key projects at West were Reconciliation Day celebrations, ladies’ afternoon teas and blokes’ breakfasts, all activities to develop a community and spirit.
He had a rapport with every child and that is his point of difference. Putting it simply, the kids came first and he always expected the best from his staff.
Mr Vickers was more than a principal and leader to staff, he was their friend and not afraid to stand up for any group at the school.
Business manager at the school Fiona Hassett started at west five years prior to Mr Vickers and said to those celebrating his goodbye, “he was determined to make the school a better place for students and the children were always a priority”.
Ms Hassett said the department thought Mr Vickers was opinionated, “but he was a man who always advocated for someone who needs help and today I’m sad to see Doug go, I’m sad for me”.
Prior to Mr Vickers taking the microphone, his wife Anne-Maree said a few words in regard to his role at West.
“Doug is a fan of a minority, dedicated to his family, his work and was a great role model,” she said.
When Mr Vickers responded to the speaker’s accolades he was not as quick as normal with his words, perhaps touched by the humility of the day.
He thanked his family, friends of the school, past students and the students of the day for their attention and went on to say he thanked all the children who had said something today for their openness.
Mr Vickers mentioned his dislike of the Department’s heavy focus on NAPLAN (national assessment program) and how some schools can
deceive the system to get better scores. Also how this forces teaching and learning in schools towards improving test scores, rather than improving everyday learning and development.
He thanked Jan Bromwich who attended his farewell and was there on school council when he was made principal.
“Life was easy when you love coming to work,” he said.
“I don’t think l let people down, l wasn’t a bystander and we must remember we are servants. I tried my best, l worked hard and l learnt who l could laugh and cry with and l never felt alone at West.
“l think l did well, l saw potential in people and developed friendships. I would like to think West in the future is a caring, learning and kind community.
“Thanks to those who had trust in me and finally thank you all very, very much.”
