focusinterview.
Trent and Lucy Donaldson
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graduate of Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) Armidale and having family still in the community meant that Lucy had always considered a move “home”. After having a look at a few regional options, they settled here when Trent was offered the role of PE Teacher and Sports Co-Ordinator at Lucy’s “old school”, PLC Armidale. Six years on and two daughters later, we caught up with Trent and Lucy at PLC Armidale, together with Lily and Evie, to see how their tree change was progressing. What was your motivation for moving to Armidale in the first place? After getting married in October 2009 in Armidale on Lucy’s parent’s property, we were keen to make the move out of Sydney and continue to further our teaching careers, start a family and buy a house. Armidale was the perfect place to do this, as it is such a vibrant regional centre, with exceptional educational institutions. This was extremely important to us, as we both work in the education sector and also wanted the quality of choice for our own children, when they came along. The lifestyle in Armidale compared to the hustle and bustle of Sydney is second to none. The travel to and from work is under five
In 2010, FOCUS interviewed Trent and Lucy Donaldson, who had recently relocated to Armidale. Trent and Lucy are both teachers and met whilst studying at The University of Sydney. Both then lived in Sydney, while working at various schools. minutes compared to up to an hour in Sydyear. I also enjoy playing tennis and squash ney for the same distance. with friends, and this is particularly easy in Has the move to Armidale lived up to Armidale compared to Sydney. your family’s expectations? Armidale is renowned as a vibrant eduWe have thoroughly enjoyed the move to cation centre. How did the educational Armidale. We have established an exceldiversity of the community influence lent group of friends. The ease your decision to move? of being able to head over Trent: PLC Armidale’s to each others’ houses history and reputation for barbecues, bonfires within the independent or a hit of tennis is sector, along with the Armidale was one of the great opportunity to further the perfect , as positives of living my career by taking place to do this t in Armidale. As a on the Sports Coordiit is such a vi bran family, we will ofnator role, were the regional centre , l with exceptiona ten take our dog for main reasons that I educational a walk around the applied for the job. institutions . ” Pine Forest or take a The move has proven picnic out to Dangar to be an excellent Gorge or Blue Hole. opportunity; not only Lucy: I enjoy playing has the school provided an hockey for the Ex Services Club opportunity for myself to progress and despite the cold night games, I professionally, Lucy has returned to enjoy the social connections and of PLC Armidale as the Year 6 teacher and course, having a run around against my Junior School Sport Coordinator. Lily has old school! I love the outdoors and going started in Pre-Kindergarten and is thriving in for walks with friends, playing tennis and I the unique and supportive environment. The have begun Bikram Yoga. It is quite a well enjoyment about learning that she describes rounded lifestyle, which is what I love. after school each day is incredibly exciting to Trent: I enjoy playing golf at every opsee as parents, and our youngest daughter, portunity and in particular, The Maple is a Evie, can’t wait to become a PLC Armidale real highlight of my sporting calendar each student next year.
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From your perspectives, what are the biggest differences between PLC Armidale and other schools in which you have worked or had experiences? The biggest difference we have noticed from previous schools is the strength of relationships formed between staff and students. We find the school to be extremely personalised, both academically and pastorally. Trent: In my role now as Curriculum Coordinator, I enjoy being able to say hello to every student from Kindergarten to Year 12 as they walk past my office. This regular contact and knowledge of the girls enables a good relationship, so that by the final years of their schooling we are working together for them to achieve their goals. Lucy: I absolutely love my job! I have taught in numerous schools in Sydney and London, but nothing quite compares to what I experience daily at PLC Armidale. My colleagues are all so supportive, passionate and exceptional educators, who have a shared genuine care for each and every student. Our small class sizes allow us to get to know each and every student and provide them with the best possible experiences for them to learn, achieve and flourish in a safe and supported environment. Many thanks for sharing your story Trent, Lucy, Lily and Evie. new england focus.
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