Staff in Focus

Meet our new teachers

Mr Peter Turkich explains why maths is a very useful tool in life - and how he found himself seated among the Mountain Gorillas of East Africa . . .

Where did you go to school, study and work prior to joining St Norbert College?

“I was a student at Trinity College for nine years after attending Saint Maria Gorretti's Primary School in Redcliffe. I graduated as a teacher at Edith Cowan University and taught at Saint Patricks College, Geraldton (now Nagle College), then taught at Christ Church Grammar School for 25 years followed by Kinross College and then the last six years working for UWA at Taylors College.

What were you like at school? 

My strengths at school were football and cricket and I was fulfilled with the way these pursuits enabled me to make lasting friendships. 

Why did you embark on a career in education?

I was inspired by family members who were teachers and once I realised Computer Programming was not for me I headed down the education pathway.

What was your first impression of St Norbert College?

That it is a dynamic school with all the opportunities for young people to grow and strive towards their true potential. My highlight so far has been meeting all my new colleagues and students and feeling so welcomed. Also the wonderful hospitality of the Head of Mathematics, Mrs Miranda. 

How do remember all of your students’ names?

Remembering students names is best achieved by being engaged and making an effort to be interested in their life outside Maths class.

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

Students might be interested to know that I travelled through Africa for 12 months and amongst many other unbelievable experiences, I sat with the Mountain Gorillas in the dense jungles of Uganda. 

Some other unusual feats were that I was expelled from Kindergarten and when in Year 3, I ran away from school and tried to hitch a lift on a truck travelling up north but he returned me back to my mum (oh boy, was I in trouble).

It’s only Week 6, but what three words best “sum up’’ you time so far at St Norbert College?

To sum up my time so far at St Norbert College in three words is very difficult! Let me steal the theme of our PD days to begin the year…’Hope and Inspiration’ or what about…..’Thanks and Respect’.

Why is maths such an important life skill?

Maths is a very useful real life tool as it enables you to develop skills in sequencing logic which is necessary in all aspects of life. It can be made fun with lots of interesting real life applications in a kind, caring and humble environment where it is ok to make mistakes. My advice to students who are not naturally good at maths is to ‘keep on trying and never give up’. 

Thank you for the opportunity to share with you all.

Mrs L Quartermain (Community Relations)