STAFF FAREWELLS | You Will Be Missed
Staff Farewells Geoffrey Anderson Secondary School Languages Faculty – Latin Teacher
Not long before the start of the 2008 school year, St Paul’s was in need of a new Latin teacher. It was a blessing that Geoff was looking for a new adventure at the time and applied for the position. When he applied, it was clear that he had a most interesting background. First and foremost, he was an educator who had also studied theology. His Christian faith is an integral part of his very being. His most recent work prior to St Paul’s was as a volunteer in Papua New Guinea. A job which only added to his remarkable skill set. Geoff came to St Paul’s as a pedagogical leader of great experience, having worked in primary schools in regional NSW before becoming a school principal. This gave him an excellent understanding of school administration, but also of differentiation in the classroom. Teaching in regional schools with students from Kindergarten to Year 6 in the same classroom gave Geoff great skill in teaching students at different levels.
Helen Michalski
Secondary School Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) Teacher
St Paul’s is sad to farewell a valued staff member and great friend, Helen Michalski. Helen had an eventful career prior to teaching, owning her own café and making wedding cakes for David Jones before moving into teaching. She sought out St Paul’s for casual teaching work in 2006. Her exceptional teaching skills and professionalism saw her quickly offered a permanent position within the school. She has shown excellence through her quality teaching, consistently seeking the best results from students. In the past, her senior Textiles students have been recognised for achieving the highest results in the State and her Hospitality students regularly gained Schools Industry Partnerships excellence awards. In her career at St Paul’s, Helen’s valued leadership skills and caring nature have seen her hold a number of additional roles. She has been both a Year Coordinator and Head of Department (TAS). Helen has a genuine heart for service, her care of the team and commitment to growth saw her
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St Paul’s Grammar School
To add to his already broad education, Geoff took up the study of Latin later in his career. This gave him insight into the challenges of learning a language beyond childhood, helping him to understand the difficulties that many students face. Geoff delights in the history, culture and linguistic structure of Latin and he is passionate about sharing it with his students. In his time at St Paul’s he has created a flourishing culture of Latin scholars. Through his organisation of Latin camps in Year 8 to the presentation of “Little Red Riding Hood” in Latin, Geoff made Latin accessible and engaging to the whole school community. While Geoff is retiring from teaching after more than fifty years, he is not retiring from Latin. He will be spending his time writing about great Roman figures and using his extraordinary knowledge of Latin as part of this. St Paul’s has been blessed to have Geoff develop a love for Latin at the school. Gratias tibi. Te desiderabimus.
model Christian Education and encourage the Technical and Applied Studies team to be involved in professional associations and learning. For many years, as a result of Helen’s leadership, St Paul’s has hosted the Hospitality Network meeting for the Association of Independent Schools, bringing teachers from metropolitan areas to our school, showcasing facilities and new teaching strategies. Helen has participated in the life of St Paul’s in many ways - most often beyond her teaching role and primarily in areas of school service. She has led students on co-curricular Hospitality travels overseas, served on the Debutante Ball Committee and has, for the last fifteen years, organised and delivered catering for School Board dinners, Art showcases, Grandparents Day, Year 6 Graduation Dinners (including the Year 6 Graduation cake), and prepared hors d’oeuvres for parents and staff at numerous cocktail evenings. St Paul’s will greatly miss Helen and wishes her all the best for the future.
