During the coronavirus pandemic and the need for students to learn from home and the teachers to work as remote educators, IT equipment had become one of the most important asset to most schools.

Marian College was no different.

Mr Barker praised the staff right across the school for the work which was done during that time.

"Of course it all wasn't without its challenges with some students facing connectivity issues at home or limited coverage in their area," he said.

"It was a very big job for teachers during that time with preparing lessons, answering emails, checking in with students - they really did it tough but they all did a fantastic job."

Mr Barker introduced and was able to secure upgraded IT systems at the school during his employment.

"One of the things we had achieved over the years was to roll everything in together to make sure it was up to standard in terms of IT and functionality," he said.

RELATED: Ararat school spent weeks preparing for long-distance learning in term two

"Examples are ensuring there was the same kind of printers and photocopiers across the school which were reliable.

"We've rolled out Apple equipment throughout the school. It's very easy for teachers to walk into any classroom and connect in. We also connected to the NBN and have put in extra cabling to the school to increase connectivity speeds.

"These things all become particularly important when everyone is working at home."

Mr Barker has formally retired from the school's staff after eight years of working with educators and school staff.

"I never wanted to be somebody who retires on the job," he said.

"I'm still very enthusiastic about what I do but you get to a stage in life where you think I would like the simpler things.

"I've got things to do. Everybody always says they don't know how they ever worked when they retire because they are so busy.

OTHER NEWS:

"I'm happy to stay involved at the college and help out as a volunteer and help at other schools and within the community.

"At my age, you start paying back and I feel like it's my time to start doing just that."

Part of Mr Barker's role was to manage the non-education roles within the school environment and put processes in place to let teachers teach and "keep all the other noise away from them".

"I decided I was going to retire in about October last year," Mr Barker said.

"I was working towards it and we were waiting for the right person to come along. Then restrictions came in with coronavirus and I decided to hold off for a bit longer.

READ MORE: More than 600,000 students have returned to Victorian schools, marking the end of widespread, coronavirus-induced remote learning in the state

"I'm a great believer in continuing to learn through life and passing along my knowledge around the region.

"The school has been a very welcoming place right from the beginning. I've never not felt welcomed here, not only from the staff and community but right through the larger education system.

"I've had brilliant staff and it's been a lovely experience."

Mr Barker's replacement will commence in term three.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.