Toolamba Primary School teacher Mason Argus. Photos: Megan Fisher
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Megan Fisher
Last year, in 2023, Mason Argus decided, after nearly 10 years of working in various areas of education and a school in Shepparton, that the time had come to venture back into a community he once called home.
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By Kelly Carmody
Toolamba Primary School now proudly calls him its Year 3 teacher.
From memories of growing up and living in Toolamba, to being a student at the school and now teaching alongside other educators who once taught him, he said the transition had been seamless and welcoming.
“I was ready to come in and experience something new, and having grown up in the community and sort of knowing what it’s all about, it’s a pretty nice little community to come back into,” Mason said.
Starting Prep in 1998 and finishing Year 6 in 2004, Mason’s schooling years were spent in the old school building before the school fire in 2010.
He lived in the house directly across from the school that still stands today, and his family has strong links to the community.
“You can see my old house from the front of the school,” he said.
“My Mum used to work here at the school as an educational support staff member when I was a student here, and she was also on the school council and involved in various other activities.
“Dad’s a builder, so when the old school was burnt down, he did all the steel work for the new building and the sheds around the grounds.
“There aren’t many people I went to school with who are still here in the town, but some of their brothers or sisters are.
“There is a connection to people through other people I know, which is nice to be a part of.”
Mason’s teaching experience has encompassed all year levels from Foundation to Year 6, but today, he finds joy in inspiring a small group of just 15 Year 3 students.
“The kids are at an age where they really love school, engage in meaningful conversations, and are happy — they are a fantastic group of students to teach,” he said.
“I truly feel like I am part of something special here in this country town — it’s a wonderful place to come to every day.”
Year 3 students are engaged in persuasive writing, studying time, learning about neighbouring countries to Australia, and broadening their outlook on the world around them as they kick off term one.
A difference in curriculum from what Mason’s schooling experience may have been during his years as a student.
However, his response was reflective when asked about some of his fondest schooling memories.
“I don’t have one specific memory, but I think one of the things about growing up in a small community is that I am still friends with many of the people I went to school with here,” he said.
“And I remember spending every recess and lunchtime playing footy and cricket with them — it was great. Even now, when I catch up with those people, we still talk about those times.”
As the school turns 150, Marcus also has one last thing to say.
“It’s amazing to see how much everything has changed even in just the short amount of time that I have been back from when I was a student,” he said.
“It will be interesting to see where the school will be in another ten to 20 years.
“The kids here have an awesome facility and so much space to play — endless opportunities for them. They love their frog bog and building huts; we have the community oval, tennis courts and the bush across the road.
