In a world filled with change, legacies offer a sense of cultural identity and a source of valuable wisdom. In a recent Archives Club interview, we had the privilege of speaking with two remarkable individuals, Allan and Allison Goodall, whose connection with Haileybury spans generations.
The Goodall family connection
Allan Goodall, a former teacher at Haileybury, has a rich history with the School that dates back to 1976. His tenure at Haileybury extended for an astounding 44 years, making him one of the longest-serving educators in Haileybury’s history. Over the years, he witnessed and contributed to the School’s transformation, specialising in the teaching of Senior Mathematics.
Allison Goodall, Allan’s daughter, joined the Haileybury community in 2017. Initially as a receptionist covering maternity leave, her dedication and commitment soon led to a permanent role. Over the years, she moved across different campuses, including City, Brighton and Keysborough. She is currently the Personal Assistant to the Head of Newlands.
A champion sailor
Our conversation with Allan took us on a voyage through time, back to his childhood and teenage years where his passion for sailing began. Allan shed light on the historical significance of sailing, emphasising its importance in an era when seafaring was the primary means of global transportation. “Sailing used to be immensely popular, with numerous yacht clubs and sailing enthusiasts dotting the coastline of Port Phillip Bay. Almost every suburb along the eastern bayside would have a yacht club,” he said.
Allan’s first foray into sailing was with the newly formed Bendigo Yacht Club around 1962 when he was only 12 years old. As time went on, he won numerous competitions including the Australian Junior Championships and the Victorian Senior Championships — all before he was 18. In Allan’s words, “I was good at sailing, and I went sailing, and that’s what I did.”
With a few disruptions in the meantime, such as university, getting married, having children and starting his job at Haileybury, Allan’s journey reached its pinnacle when he clinched two back-to-back World Championships, the first held in New Zealand in 1984, followed by another victory in 1985, this time on American waters. While these victories may seem extraordinary to many, Allan modestly regarded them as part of his natural progression as a sailor.
Allison’s Haileybury journey
Shifting our focus to Allison Goodall, we explored her journey as part of the Haileybury community.
Allison also has a deep-rooted connection with the School. She grew up as a Haileybury ‘child’, spending school holidays on campus where she often accompanied her father while he worked. Allison even recalls being christened in what is now known as the Chapel, and back then the Library Annex.
Back in those days, there was always a significant amount of paperwork associated with Maths classes, and Allison would often explore the School’s grounds while her father prepared classwork. During that era, Principal, Michael Aikman, generously opened the School during holidays, even encouraging families to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool on the premises. Families, including Allison and her father, would spend their days at the School, where her dad would work while she occasionally made herself a cup of hot chocolate in the staff room, which is now the Keith Hosking Senior School Staff Common Room.
After beginning as a receptionist and then moving into a campus secretary role, Allison has been across it all. When City campus opened, she helped Pam Chamberlain — first Head of City campus — to get started, and then spent some time moving between Keysborough and Brighton campuses, before moving to a permanent position at Newlands. She has now been a part of the Haileybury team for seven years.
Haileybury’s enduring spirit
We thank Allan and Allison for sharing their Haileybury journey with us. Their experiences underscore the sense of community and legacy that Haileybury instils in its students and staff — and there are many multi-generational stories to tell as a testament to this.