6 minute read
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. 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.
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 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.
Sally Arthur
Coordinator of Pre-Kindergarten
Sally Arthur came to St Pauls at the beginning of 2020 as our Pre-Kindergarten Coordinator. Sally successfully led her team to facilitate learning and care for our youngest students in St Paul’s during one of the most challenging periods in the school’s history. Her enthusiasm and passion in rethinking how to teach four-year-old’s during this time was exceptional. Sally relinquished her position after the arrival of her second child. We hope to see her return in the future. For over three years Christina Penna taught Secondary School Mathematics at St Paul’s before leaving the school earlier this year. Christina is a passionate mathematics teacher who holds herself and her students to a very high standard. She was a selfless and active participant in many school camps and trips and was well liked and respected by her fellow teachers, her students and their parents. She will be sorely missed. St Paul’s farewells Katherine Bate at the end of the year as she has accepted a position as Primary Sports Coordinator and Teacher at William Clarke College. Katherine has been a wonderful and enthusiastic team member in the Junior School over many years and always worked to inspire and encourage her students in their learning. She will be greatly missed.
Christina Penna
Secondary School Mathematics Teacher
Katherine Bate
Junior School Classroom Teacher
Karen Daniels
While Karen Daniels’ journey at St Paul’s as a teacher started six years ago, her connection started much earlier with the enrolment of her son into the Junior School. In her time at St Paul’s she served in a variety of teaching and leadership roles, working in Secondary School support, as Head of Junior School Support and Pre-Kindergarten Coordinator. Karen was more than just delivering the curriculum – she was always about the people and it was common to see her talking to individual students and supporting families. Karen would always “go the second mile” seeking to serve those around her.
Rachael Jamieson Newton
St Paul’s sadly parts with Rachael Jamieson Newton at the end of 2021 as she leaves to take up an appointment as Head of Junior School at Blue Mountains Grammar School. Rachael has taught at St Paul’s for the last eight years, fulfilling a variety of roles including Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Teacher, Grade Leader and more recently as Deputy Head of Junior School (Welfare and Organisation).
St Paul’s has been blessed to have someone so talented to manage the day-to-day running of the Junior School and coordinate the pastoral care of our students. One of the key initiatives that Rachael led was in developing play-based activities in the Junior School playground. The inclusion of creative and imaginative play activities has greatly enhanced the programmes of the school. St Paul’s wishes her great success with in her new appointment.
