Pre-Kindergarten Staff Profile - Sally Arthur

Sally Arthur

Coordinator of Pre-Kindergarten

How long have you worked at St Paul’s? I started working at St Paul’s in Term 1, 2020.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Darlinghurst and grew up in the St George area in Sydney.

Tell us about your educational and career journey prior to arriving at St Paul’s.

I have been involved in the education sector for the last sixteen years and have held a range of roles across both church and school. I started my working life in an early childhood centre and then worked as Children’s Minister at an Anglican Church while I completed a Diploma in Theology. Following this, I worked at various public schools as School Chaplain.

While undertaking my teaching degree, I worked as a teacher’s aide in PreKindergarten at a private school in southern Sydney. I then worked at two different Prep schools as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher before moving to my role at St Paul’s. I have also had the privilege of supporting pre-service teachers from Western Sydney University as a University Placement Advisor.

As a student, what were your favourite and least favourite subjects at school?

My favourite subject at school was Drama, as I enjoyed the small group collaboration. My least favourite subject was Mathematics.

As an educator, what inspires you?

I am encouraged and inspired by people’s stories. Everyone has a story of strength and courage. As an educator, I am inspired and shaped daily by the children, staff and families I get to work with. I am encouraged by the children’s curiosity, their questions, their sense of wonder and resilience.

How does your faith influence how you approach your role at St Paul’s?

My faith is central to all I am and all I do. I am passionate about the practical relevance that faith has to the lives of those in the St Paul’s community. My faith shapes how I teach, lead and engage with others. God has placed me in the St Paul’s community for a purpose. He has given me a job, position, resources, an education and an amazing team with many opportunities to serve Him and others. He has given me the opportunity to encourage children to explore and develop their confidence as inquirers, as they make meaning of their world within a safe and secure learning environment.

As a leader, I am encouraged by a German evangelical pastor called Dietrich Bonhoeffer who wrote a challenging book called “Life Together” (a book I read yearly). It investigates how life as a Christian can be lived and shared in community and the great value of a life lived together, through Jesus. I look forward to collaborating with the wonderful staff in Pre-Kindergarten who work tirelessly to prepare children for a life of learning.

What do you enjoy about working at St Paul’s?

When I came for an interview at St Paul’s, one of the first things I noticed was the presentation of the flourishing grounds. As I have come to know the staff and community, it is this sense of “flourishing” that I have been encouraged by. There is a desire to work together to see the students and the school flourish as a learning community. I enjoy the teamwork and desire for others to joyfully serve one another and help each other grow. I also really enjoy the coffee at Saints Café!

Tell us about your family.

I have been married to my amazing husband Jason for 12 wonderful years. We have a precious little boy named Elliott who is four and a half. We also have a Tenterfield Terrier called “Chookie”. We enjoy spending quality time together jumping on the trampoline, bike rides, pottering in our vegetable garden, camp fires and holidays to the beach with our family and friends.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy passing the time and recharging by reading biographies, watching ‘Survivor’ and British comedy, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I also never shy away from karaoke with the girls.

What is your favourite verse in the Bible?

Hebrews 12:1-3. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

As I have come to know the staff and community, it is this sense of “flourishing” that I have been encouraged by.