Last word – Joanne Sheehy

Joanne Sheehy Principal A.B. Paterson College

Are you a born and bred Gold Coaster If not, when did you move here? I’m proud to be a Regional Queenslander. We moved back from London at the end of 2003, when my husband had to return to work at Queensland Health.

What school did you attend? I finished my schooling in Central Queensland – in a small mining town called Moura. How long have you been Principal at A.B. Paterson College? I have been the Principal of A.B. Paterson College since 2020, and have been working at the College since 2004.

What’s one of the best things you have done to promote yourself and A.B. Paterson College so far? Our College reputation is second to none. The strong sense of good character and successes of our students both past and present is by far the one thing I am most proud to share. I have stayed at our College for almost 20-years because of the amazing families we have and as a result, the reputation of our students are known throughout the Gold Coast community as young people of outstanding manners and good character.

It is also my honour to be the Principal of A.B. Paterson College during the time where we have been able to further foster our historic connection to the QLD outback town of Winton linked directly to our namesake, Andrew Barton Paterson who penned Waltzing Matilda nearby.

We continue the tradition of strengthening the bond between city and country by taking our Year 6 students on a nine-daytrek to the Outback, each year since our College inception in 1991. We are proud to announce that A.B. Paterson College has recently built an incredible accommodation centre, Barty’s Place – which will allow not only our students, but students from far and wide to experience the Outback and the true essence of our Australian heritage.

Our Winton trip is at the heart of A.B. Paterson College traditions and demonstrates our genuine love and appreciation for our Aussie Outback, we know the memories made during this experience by not only our Year 6 students but soon to be young people from many other schools, will live in them, and through them - forever!

Did you ever think that you would be doing what you are now? I always knew I would be a teacher – I did exceptionally well at school as I had wonderful role models at the time. It was through these experiences I decided I too wanted to invest in young people and their futures.

Being the Principal of a school like A.B. Paterson College is a privilege I take very seriously and I am conscious that decisions and initiatives I am implementing now, are for the next generation of students, families and staff – so I am merely a custodian. The people most important to you are? Too easy – my family. The key to happiness? I am an eternal optimist, but the key would absolutely be loving what you do each and every day! People who know you, know that I love...? Oh – I love classical music and ballet!

The best advice you ever received? I have had two exceptional mentors across the span of my career who still give me great advice, but the best piece of advice I was ever given in a professional sense was to ‘love what you do and do it well’. What is your greatest accomplishment? Aside from my family, being a part of our amazing A.B. Paterson College would be an accomplishment I am most proud of. I love playing a small part in a child (then adult’s) life – it is an absolute privilege. Thoughts on social media? It is a remarkable tool in enabling connection between people no matter the distance between. We ensure our students are regularly guided and taught by professionals on the importance of safety, awareness and sensibility when navigating this ever- changing landscape. The meaning of life is... Do you know, I often reflect on my place in the world… Helping students has always been the main motivator in my career and my life. I will know I have made a difference if I can positively impact as many students and their families as I can. What do you love about living and working on the Gold Coast? I am so fortunate to live and work in one of the most beautiful and well-resourced places in the world. This environment allows and inspires innovation and creativity which encourages a true sense of connectivity for our local community.

Pamper Hamper

homebodii.com

Looking for corporate gifting? Homebodii have you covered for Christmas

A gift hamper filled with specially selected treats is one of the most cherished gifts to receive. Homebodii is dedicated to the art of gifting with their range of beautifully curated gift hampers, filled with gorgeous gifts curated from premium partners. From their coveted pyjamas, silk robes or eye masks, to candles, skincare, chocolates, tea and keepsake gifts, Homebodii luxury gift hampers are the perfect way to pamper a special person in your life. Whether it’s to mark an occasion such as birthday or anniversary or to let them know you’re thinking of them, every Homebodii gift hamper can be personalised for a truly memorable and treasured gesture.