Celebrating our Long Serving Staff

Staff at The Friends’ School are integral to our school community. Here we acknowledge and thank those staff members celebrating service milestones in 2020 for their dedication and contribution to the educational journey of all Friends’ students.

“Gina Colhoun is part of The Friends’ School landscape as an educator, a parent and an active old scholar. In Kindergarten the children sometimes call her ‘Gina COCOON’ and her colleagues often call her ‘GINA FIFINA’. We all know she is TERRIFIED of spiders but we also know that she is such a vital part of The Friends’ School. Thank you for all the years of service to our school Gina!” - Mark Febey, Head of Morris and Friends’ Early Learning

“Kathy is known for being a particularly caring person in the eyes of her students. Presently Kathy accompanies two of our choirs and, as the ‘AMEB Theory Queen’, is the person to go to with a question about music theory and history. Her theoretical knowledge, combined with her beautiful rapport with students (and the regular provision of yummy things to eat!), are several of the reasons why Kathy’s theory groups regularly ‘burst at the seams’.“ - Paul Radford, Head of Music

“In her 25 years at Friends’ Lyn has just about done it all: timetabling, TCE & VET coordinator, Head of School, supervisor, teacher of a range of Humanities subjects. Her encyclopedic knowledge of pathways and career counselling makes her in high demand from staff and students and we are grateful Lyn will continue in this role next year after she lays down her service as Deputy Head of Clemes.” - Adam Chambers, Head of Clemes

“Lindy loves being in the classroom and her joy and enthusiasm are infectious. Her ongoing work with the Year 7 Connections program and High School Science has inspired and encouraged many students to study Science at a higher level. Lindy’s contribution to the school cannot be overestimated and we are grateful for all she has done for students and staff at Friends’.” - Kate Baldry, Head of Science Faculty and Teacher of Science

“Jane has a passion for experiential and applied learning in the foods area, aiming to extend students’ understanding and skills in both local and global cuisines. As a leader in our school, she cares deeply about the staff that she supervises across a diverse range of sub-disciplines.” - Steve Barratt, Director of Teaching and Learning

Mark has shown a commitment to his ongoing professional learning whilst working at Friends’. In particular he has led an internal consultation process to develop a draft leadership framework, which connects clearly with Quaker values and testimonies. Mark possesses a deep understanding of Ancient History and the skills and knowledge required to support student learning in a variety of sub disciplines within Humanities. Mark also fully supports our co-curricular program and has used his significant expertise and experience of AFL to successfully coach both boys and girls teams throughout his time at Friends’. - Steve Barratt, Director of Teaching and Learning

“Lisa is a dedicated teacher who loves to bring the fun into working with children. Lisa is able to get the best out of students through the positive and supportive relationships that she establishes with them. As a staff member, Lisa is always handy with her sense of humour or a kind and caring word in support of the well being of those with whom she works.” - Mark Febey, Head of Morris and Friends’ Early Learning

“Jeanine always puts the needs of students first, supporting students and families in the Outside School Hours Care program. Jeanine is incredibly organised, is generous with her time and resources and loves to engage with messy play with the students.” - Wendy Crow, Deputy Head of Morris (Y2-6)

“Christine has accumulated vast knowledge of the inner workings of the School and can quickly assist with anything from an insurance claim to Quaker minute taking. Many of us wonder if there’s anything that she doesn’t know something about!” - Shaun Sargent, Director of Business Affairs

Christine Armitage (taken 2005)

“A conscientious and dedicated classroom teacher who has the wellbeing of students at heart, Wendy has a love of the outdoors and the value it can provide to students. Through her commitment to community we often also see her participating in musical ensembles.” - Wendy Crow, Deputy Head of Morris (Y2-6)

“Tim challenges students to be inspired and in awe of the Tasmanian wilderness whether they are scaling rocks, climbing mountains, paddling rivers and seas or simply gazing at the stars. He invites them to continue to be curious, to explore, to marvel and to challenge themselves in our amazing Tasmanian landscape beyond their school experience.” - Trish Menadue, Head of Health & PE Faculty

“The first teacher of High School Dance, Marie’s qualifications in hospitality led her to a process of metamorphosis from a passionate teacher of Dance to Teacher of Food and Textiles. Marie has fostered the ballet aspirations of numerous students over the years and she pioneered cocurricular aviation at Friends’. Many students have been inspired to a career in the aviation industry thanks to Marie.” - Jane Smith, Head of Technology Faculty, Teacher of Food & Textiles

“Paul is a key presence in the High School Music block each and every day, particularly during breaks. He knows students love the chance to hang out with their friends and jam with each other and that this often becomes their favourite memory of High School. Paul provides that balance between academic rigour and challenge, and pure enjoyment in learning and playing music.” - Tammy Giblin, Head of Arts Faculty, Director & Teacher of Drama

“For some students, Sandra is the constant island in the storm - a safe haven for them to go to when they feel overwhelmed, in need of a sounding board, seeking mental health support or just needing a quiet space. As a Hockey coach, Sandra has brought her own expertise and passion for the sport, assisting with teams throughout the High School. The students have been fortunate to have someone with great insight into the game.” - Kim Rowlands, Co-Head of High School, Teacher of Japanese