Staff News 

Introducing the new Head of Pastoral

Mr Ian Thompson has accepted my invitation to commence in the role of Head of Pastoral – Student Wellbeing from January 2024. Mr Thompson is currently Head of Year 10 at St Mary’s Anglican Girls School and has been working in a variety of pastoral care leadership positions both here in Australia and in the UK for over 20 years. Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing is his absolute passion, and he is excited to be joining us as a member and spending time walking his dog. 

A message from Mr Thompson to students and their families:

 

It is my absolute pleasure to be joining the St George’s Anglican Grammar School community in 2024. I have been teaching Chemistry for almost 30 years and this along with the wellbeing of students are my absolute passions. Born and bred in England, my teaching career began in co-educational schools. 

After 12 years my wife and I decided to emigrate to Australia along with our, then eight-year-old daughter and two dogs. For the past 17 years I have been teaching at St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ school in Karrinyup. I started as a Science teacher, specialising in upper school Chemistry. I have been both a Head of House and Head of Year and have hence been in pastoral care leadership roles for over 20 years. 

I am excited to be moving to St George’s Anglican Grammar School to continue the good work already undertaken by Mr Hilton Hardman. I have big shoes to fill! Pupil wellness has always been the foundation of my teaching philosophy as it is such an essential part of a successful school experience.  

I am a sport tragic. Playing football (sorry soccer!), cricket and rugby for many years. I now relax hitting innocent white balls with big sticks all over the countryside. Some call it golf, but I am in no way an expert but just enjoy the camaraderie and exercise it brings me. 

 

I look forward to meeting all of you over the next few years – my door is always open to students and parents alike. My role will be to ensure your child (ren) have the very best experience possible during their time at St George’s Anglican Grammar. I am excited about the journey that now lies ahead for us all. 

Introducing the new Head of Year 11 and 12

Mr Tim Hayward has been appointed to the Head of Year 11 and 12 position commencing in January 2024. He is currently Head of Year 9 at Helena College where he has taught for more than 20 years and has a wide range of both pastoral care and academic leadership experience. 

A message from Mr Hayward to students and their families:

 

It is with great joy and anticipation that I share my enthusiasm for my new journey at St. George’s Anglican Grammar School following two decades of dedication at Helena College. 

This transition offers me a fresh opportunity to infuse St George’s and all within the school family with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and drive, particularly in the face of its remarkable physical and academic growth.

 

While I'm committed to education, my passions beyond the classroom are a big part of who I am. Mathematics has always been my academic compass, guiding my appreciation for logic, problem-solving, and the beauty of numbers. My hope is to inspire students to embrace the world of mathematics with the same fervour.

 

In the spirit of embracing challenges, I have a deep love for snowboarding. The thrill of gliding down pristine slopes represents the same kind of exhilaration and growth that I believe education can bring. Just as in the snowboarding world, I'm eager to ride the lumps and bumps of transformation and progress at St George’s.

 

As a Carlton Football Club supporter, I appreciate the values of teamwork and resilience that are at the heart of Australian Rules Football. It's a sport that embodies the importance of unity and the pursuit of excellence, and these principles will guide my work with the school community.

 

Family is also a significant part of my life. I am a proud father of two sons who constantly remind me of the profound impact that education can have on young minds. My role as a parent strengthens my commitment to fostering a nurturing and stimulating educational environment at St. George’s.

 

Here's to new beginnings, shared aspirations, and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you from the start of 2024. 

 

With great anticipation for the adventures ahead,

Long Service Leave

Mr Peter Quan heads off on a well-deserved period of long service leave from Thursday 19 October until the end of the 2023 school year.  His academic classes will be covered by other members of the Science Department, and he will return to Head of Gandhi House in January 2024. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his work this year in both leading Gandhi House and in supporting the Year 11 and 12 students as our Acting Head of Year 11 and 12 for Terms Two and Three. Mr Hardman - Head of Pastoral - will operate as Head of Year 11 and 12 for the remainder of Term Four. 

Enjoy your time away from St George’s Mr Quan -, and we look forward to welcoming you back in Term One 2024.