Nathan Jessup Nathan joined the College as Head of Senior School in Term 3, 2015. He was a visible presence in all aspects of College life and took an active interest in the students’ successes, and the challenges they sometimes encountered. He combined an impressive skillset with pastoral sensitivity to guide students through their occasional rocky circumstances. Nathan refined and improved our selection processes for and management model of a wide range of leadership positions, including school and house prefects and captains of co-curricular activities. He does not often stand still, metaphorically or physically, and he is someone who tends to make things happen. We have appreciated his diligence, thoughtfulness and willingness to make the College a better place for us all. Best wishes to Nathan and Kellie as they return to Perth with their family.
Ros Palmer Ros commenced at the College in 1987 as a Science and Maths Teacher for Years 7 and 8, before traveling overseas three years later. She returned in 1994 as a Science and Physics Teacher, giving her a staggering 25 years of service to the school. Ros says her highlight has been heading up Calvert House for the past seven years. She had a wonderful dedication to the College. Ros resigned from the College at the end of 2016 to pursue other interests. She will be greatly missed and we wish her all the best in her next endeavours.
Christine Shannon Christine joined the College as Director of Professional Learning and Research in 2014. As founding Director of our Centre for Learning, Research and Innovation, Christine’s expertise in leadership, program evaluation and research methodology led to the development of a wide variety of initiatives. Christine’s passion for empowering teachers to see themselves as researchers of their own practice, has been evident in the strong partnership that was formed with Deakin University. She has been a vocal advocate for positioning the College as a community hub and has attracted many national and international guests to visit and work with our staff and
students. As a Biology Teacher, Christine invited students to engage in rigorous conversation and deep thinking about scientific concepts. Christine will oversee the development of a new Centre for Professional Learning at St Bernard’s in Melbourne, which will take her closer to her family in Melbourne.
Mark Torpey Mark’s 33-year tenure at the College began in 1984 as Coordinator of Sport and Physical Education, Prep to Year 8. Mark led the Physical Education Department for 14 years, and was Coordinator of APS Sport for 16 years. Apart from PE, Mark also taught Health, History, Geography, Social Studies and English; and as a Year 7/8 Homeroom Teacher for all 33 years, he oversaw the welfare and academic progress of more than 650 young men and women. Mark was instrumental in establishing ongoing initiatives, including the cultural and AFL exchange to Denmark and The Geelong College Challenge. The countless hours he spent in the gym and on the sporting fields, imparting his knowledge and wisdom to students (and staff!) is not so easily replaced.
Coral Turner Coral joined the College as an Art Teacher at Campbell House in 1986. In 1989, Coral took the opportunity to undertake a year’s professional development and upgrade her qualifications. After returning to fulltime work, she added the challenge of teaching Years 7 and 8 English. From 1992, Coral taught solely at Middle School, becoming the bedrock of the learning teams in the Art and English departments. Coral filled an array of positions in the next 19 years, including Coordinator of English, Middle School Curriculum Coordinator, Year 7 and Year 8 Coordinator and Deputy Head of Preparatory School. In 2004 Coral was also appointed Professional Administrator to the then Principal, Dr Pauline Turner. Coral’s appreciation of the connection between the spoken word and visual imagery has been evident, and no doubt it was this aptitude that saw Coral delegated the responsibility for editing the Pegasus magazine, a labour of love she has maintained for 21 years. A passionate, principled and informed educator, her commitment to the students has been even-handed and unwavering. Her legacies will live on in the lives of thousands of students who have been the recipients of her teaching. 37 Ad Astra Issue No 130