Billy Barnes has taken on the role of principal at Tatura Primary School permanently.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Billy Barnes has been confirmed as the new permanent principal at Tatura Primary School after he stepped into the acting position last year.
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Mr Barnes, who grew up in Deniliquin, has had a journey that has taken him from studying in Bendigo to teaching in Western Australia before making his way back to Victoria.
He commutes each day from Kyabram, where he lives with his wife, son and daughter.
Mr Barnes previously taught at Kyabram P-12 College where he became assistant principal.
He took the opportunity to join Tatura Primary School as acting principal in May 2025 when the former principal, Susanne Gill, went on leave.
On March 9, Mr Barnes took on the role permanently after Ms Gill announced her retirement.
Mr Barnes was thankful for the time spent in the role in an acting capacity, as it allowed him to lean on the expertise of others and gain the skills needed to take over the role permanently.
Tatura Primary School has about 170 students. Mr Barnes said he had enjoyed getting to know them and appreciated the strong community.
“We’ve got such a great school council, who get involved and raise funds,” he said.
Mr Barnes brings an enthusiasm for evidence-based practice and working closely with his team of 20 staff members.
“I come from a big school, sometimes you don’t get to meet with them all,” he said.
One of Mr Barnes’ favourite memories so far was the end-of-year awards ceremony, which was designed to encourage the students to aspire for academic excellence.
The event was well received by parents and staff, and Mr Barnes said he heard students talking about how they wanted to achieve the awards next year.
Mr Barnes fondly recalled a water fight held to reward a house that had received the most points at the end of a term.
“Given the time of year, it was great,” he said.
Billy Barnes spends his weekends with Girgarre Football Club.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Mr Barnes is an avid footballer, having played for the Deniliquin Rams and Bendigo Bombers in his early years. He is currently with Girgarre Football Club.
He often comes in a bit battered and bruised on a Monday, but he laughed it off and said “trying to have that balance is important”.
Tatura Primary School has a range of upcoming events that Mr Barnes is looking forward to, such as trivia nights, a colour run and a wear red day to support a student with cancer.
Mr Barnes looks forward to watching the school grow and develop.
“Now it’s gone official, I’ll be here a long time and make some positive inroads,” he said.
Billy Barnes enjoys spending time with the students of Tatura Primary School.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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