Staff Spotlight

Ian Parr Religious Studies Curriculum Adviser Anglican Schools Commission

I’ve spent my entire working life in schools as an English and Religious Education teacher, with responsibilities in both Primary and Secondary. I taught in independent schools in Victoria (including Boarding) and NSW, my ‘state of origin’. Together with my family, I’ve had the privilege to live and work in metropolitan and regional contexts, which shaped us with a broader vision of Australian schools and communities. In October, when I began with Anglican Schools Commission (ASC) as Religious Studies Curriculum Adviser, I was struck by how valuable the breadth of my teaching experience is turning out to be.

In 2018, I undertook a project with Newcastle Diocese Anglican schools. Working with Religious Education teachers, we developed a Christian Religious Education (CRE) syllabus, across city and country schools, supported by the resources of WA.

In 2022, after my wife and I relocated to Victoria, I re-connected with the ASC. My new role is to provide specialist advisory and operational support for the provision of Religious Studies in ASC schools in NSW and Victoria.

I’m looking forward to visiting ASC schools and helping teachers construct engaging Religious Studies programs.

introducing...

Sally Glass Kindy Teacher Frederick Irwin Anglican School

I first began teaching in 1980 when Kindergarten came under the banner of the Preschool Board and the Education Department was in the process of trying to accommodate 4-year-olds in offsite centres.

When the plans for Frederick Irwin originated, we decided to make the move with our little family to Mandurah. The chance to teach at a ‘small country’ school in 1991 came about when the Foundation Head of Primary Mrs Sandra McCullough offered me a part time position. The next year the school doubled streamed Year 1 and for the first time, I was in a ‘formal’ classroom. There wasn’t a year that went by we didn’t have some sort of construction appearing on campus, which made it all very exciting. After 10 years, the new Oakmont end of the school was built and I moved to Pre-Primary, then after eight years to Year 2, back to Pre-Primary and then to back to Kindy. A complete circle! Thirty-two years at Frederick Irwin has rewarded me with an amazing experience. It is truly a family. I have made life-long friends and love seeing ex-students return with their children to continue the tradition.

I know that my association with Frederick Irwin will not end here. My grandchildren will don the Gordon Tartan and hopefully when the school celebrates 50 years, I’ll be there to reminisce the school beginnings! Rebekah Overton Head of Department: Humanities Swan Valley Anglican Community School

I began teaching at Swan Valley Anglican Community School in 2012 after moving to Australia from the UK. Throughout my seventeen years in the profession, my passion for teaching has continued to grow and has remained centred on enabling each student to recognise the valuable contribution they make to the learning of others and within the community. I have been fortunate to work in educational settings that have focused on improving learning outcomes for students from different backgrounds and capabilities. One of the most rewarding aspects of the job remains being in the classroom where I can implement different pedagogical practices and seek to engage students through creative and collaborative tasks, and critical thinking skills. I have found inspiration and great value in my work as a mentor which has led to my own personal growth. In recent years, the Humanities Learning Area has faced challenges nationwide due to declining student numbers. At Swan Valley Anglican Community School, we have remained committed to demonstrating the relevance of studying Humanities as it develops skills that are highly desired by employers. I am blessed to be a member of a team that strives for excellence and embraces change, and I am thankful for family and friends for their support and much needed laughter!