Staff Spotlight: Peter O'Neill

Peter O'Neill

AP: Faith and Mission

This year is my forty-fourth in teaching and thirty-eight of those have been at Killester.  It is also my last. I only have gratitude and thanks for the many students from every year I have been privileged to teach or meet in the corridors, sports events, and College Productions.

I have lasted so long because the students at Killester have been so welcoming, creative, down-to-earth, and appreciative. The most enjoyable part of my job has been teaching.  PLUS, I was lucky enough to meet my wife,  Dianne (the other love in my life) at Killester! This year we are celebrating our thirty-third wedding anniversary. 

The school has given me so much and I have loved my time here. Having so much fun at Killester has meant that I always go home in a good mood to Di and our three boys, who often had the great company and care of students during rehearsal at productions. I have been blessed. 

It is always great to catch up with alumni at reunions and out and about anywhere we go.  I recently attended a celebration for a friend I taught in Grade Two at Resurrection Primary and year eleven at Killester. I have been to her 40th birthday and, last month, her partner's fiftieth. 

Over the past ten years, I have started teaching the daughters of past students.  That is a real buzz for me and I love to make those connections.

Dianne will probably follow me into retirement soon after. On her behalf, I would love to thank the thousands of students who have made our time at Killester so special. It is just the BEST school and you are the most brilliant people I know who are making a tremendous influence in all walks of life. 

Of course, the staff at Killester have been special. I have been so lucky to make enduring friendships over those years. Mr McPhail has been a constant and a great mate. Principals from Sister Helen Toohey to our current Sally Buick have been wonderful for us and I must thank them for leading so incredibly in a massive job.

Leaving Killester will be an interesting transition. I have no doubt I will miss it tremendously.  I love the place and the people. 

Thank you Killester, Students and Staff, you ARE THE BEST!