Principal returns to polish gem

Vickie Barrie's father was just 13 when he left school. In comparison, Ms Barrie has not yet left. She began in the role as Northcote College principal late last month, returning to the school where she had previously been deputy principal. Ms Barrie says that despite her parents leaving school at a young age, they placed great value on the benefits of a good education and the increased choices and opportunities education allows throughout life. ''This goes some way to explain the rewards and satisfaction I have had from working in schools,'' she says. Ms Barrie has previously worked at Takapuna, Mt Albert and Auckland Grammar schools. She applied for the Northcote position because of the school's potential. ''I told the students in my first assembly that this was the only school I wanted to return to. Northcote College is a relatively unknown gem among North Shore secondary schools.'' - By Tim Lamb