Rodney Barnard
Cindy McLEISH (Eildon) (10:15): Rod Barnard, after 18 years as principal at Millwarra and rounding out an impressive 50-year teaching career in and around the Upper Yarra, is hanging up his boots. Everyone has a story about Barney, from his singing and pancakes to driving the minibus and firing up the barbecue. Ever mindful of a tight budget, he knows how to save money. It is not unusual to see him on the ride-on because it is the quickest and cheapest way to get the grass cut. His skills on the ride-on, though, are debatable, as there has been the odd crash. Not only is Rod valued by the school community, but he has been a major local contributor, with a finger in every pie. He will be missed but not forgotten.