Staff in Focus

Q & A with . . . Ms Tania Harvey

After 15 years as “mum to 900’’ in Student Services, Ms Tania Harvey is moving to a new role within the College. Here, Ms Harvey recalls some of the highlights of her very busy role – and reveals what lies ahead for her at Xanten Performing Arts Centre!

SNN: Thanks for joining us Ms Harvey. Can you remember the first-ever request a student asked of you when you joined Student Services 15 years ago? 

TH:   Yes - a student wanted to buy bus tickets.

SNN: What are the most common requests students have?

TH:  Ice packs, band-aids, hair ties, heat packs and wanting to call home. I have worn a lot of hats in this role over 15 years - I’ve been a nurse, doctor, dentist, Ticketek operator, photocopy queen, and general “fixer” from shoes to lockers, just to name a few!

SNN: What do you hear yourself saying to students time and time again?

TH:   "Why are you late?'', "Where’s your Diary?", "Only two students at a time please'', "Have you eaten today?'', "Have you had much water today?'', "What is your pain level between 0 and 10?'', "Where have you been, I've been worried sick!'' and "Bless your cotton socks''!

SNN: Thinking back, what highlights spring to mind?

TH:  Oh, I have so many.  Every Graduation Day is an emotional day for me.  I sit on the mezzanine level and watch the Year 12s graduate year after year like a proud mum. 

2011 was a special highlight because not only did I watch my own daughter (Jordanna) graduate, I also saw a dozen or so students that I had met on their very first day of kindergarten in 2000. It was a very special moment to think I was there on their very first day of school and their very last day 11 years later. 

SNN: What is the most rewarding part of the super-busy Student Services role?

TH:     To see Year 7s on their very first day - so young, some quiet and shy, and some not!  Then year after year watching them grow into amazing people.  I have also formed friendships with parents, some of whom I have had on ‘speed dial’ over the years.

SNN: What is your new role at the College and when do you start?

TH:    I return from long-service leave on Monday, 9 May to become administration assistant to the Arts and Music Department, arranging and maintaining timetables for tutors and students and assisting with the organisation of events for the Arts.

SNN: What are you looking forward to most about being based at Xanten Performing Arts Centre?

TH:   The challenge of a new role in a completely different environment. I'm also very happy to still be part of the students' learning years, but in a different capacity. 

I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to enjoy a change and still be a part of the awesome St Norbert College community. 

SNN: We know you have been learning to play the drums. Does this mean you will be able to practice the drums a bit more from time to time?

TH:   I may or may not have a sneaky bash every now and then.

SNN: Bless your cotton socks, Ms Harvey!

Mrs L Quartermain

(Community Relations and Marketing)