By Milla Webster
AFTER 35 years of dedication, care and unwavering commitment, Kilmore Primary School (KPS) staff, students and volunteers said farewell to one of their most beloved colleagues last Wednesday.
Deborah Barton has spent her entire working life supporting children and that dedication has been firmly rooted at KPS.
As an educational support worker, Ms Barton has encouraged students’ learning and wellbeing and fostered safe and inclusive learning environments where all students could participate and reach their full potential.
Working alongside teachers helping to relieve their workload, Ms Barton said: “I’ve always worked with children”.
“I did start a university course to be a teacher, but I had a child at 18 years of age. My beautiful son. I came here as a parent helper when he started school here. And I’ve never left.
“This is like a second home. I’ve rode lots of waves up and down, but I know my heart is here and I just love everyone of these kids. They are all special and they can all learn, and there is something good in all of them; every one of them.”
That deep sense of care has not gone unnoticed by those around her.
Principal Michael Nicolaides said: “A devoted colleague, loved by all. The amount of praises that have come through from families since finding out that [she] was retiring has been absolutely incredible”.
“An incredible commitment to one organisation, 35 years. She is the heart and soul of KPS.”
Wellbeing officer Richie Boyer echoed those sentiments: “Deb has an enormous heart and makes everyone feel like they are the main person. She’s been on more excursions and school camps than I’ve taught lessons”.
As Ms Barton prepares for retirement, KPS says goodbye not just to a long-serving staff member, but to a cornerstone of its community.
“KPS is my happy place, and this man [Mr Nicolaides] is going to take it a long way, I know,” she said.
