New Roles

Q&A with  . . . Miss Perijmibida

Miss Amy Perijmibida grew up surrounded by the red dust plains of Karratha – and after joining St George’s PE Department, she is now Head of all things Red - Gandhi House.

The Dragon: Congratulations on your appointment as Head of Gandhi House. First things first: how do you pronounce your surname?

AP: It is a bit of a tricky one! My family name is Polish but the area it is from is now part of Ukraine with the borders changing during the war. The ‘J’ is silent so it is phonetically “Pe-ra-ma-bee-da”.

TD: Where were you educated and what did you study at university?

AP: I went to school at Santa Maria and then attended Notre Dame University in Fremantle for a few different degrees. I started with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and then completed a one year honours project on talent identification in adolescent surfing athletes in WA. I loved this experience but found it involved a lot of being alone and sitting down which I didn’t enjoy so I finally completed  landed on a Masters of Teaching and loved everything to do with teaching. 

TD: What were you like at school?

AP: I absolutely loved school and was involved in all the co-curriculars possible, particularly the sport. I have such fond memories from school and my friends from then are still my best friends today which I think is pretty special.

TD: Why did you embark on a career in education?

AP: I nearly cried when all the students came back this year, I was just so happy to see them all again. Helping a student succeed, whatever that may look like, and inspiring each of them to achieve at their level brings me so much joy. Whether it is a quick conversation, a wave hello or an improvement in a grade, they all bring a smile to my face. St George’s students are very special. 

TD: What was your first impression of St George’s?

AP: The students were simply incredible. They were so welcoming and kind and it immediately felt like such a special school community. The enthusiasm they have for new co-curriculars and new opportunities is just amazing. I love it here. 

TD: What makes a ‘good day’ at school?

AP: A good day at school for me involves talking to and connecting with as many members of the St George’s community as possible. A meaningful conversation absolutely makes my day.

TD: What are main goals for Gandhi in 2024?

AP: I believe we have some good challengers for the House Cup this year so my main goals for the year are participation and passion! Dressing up at Interhouse events, cheering on those in red and getting those ever important participation points will be crucial for our success. Every point adds up and I believe this could be a very close year so I believe they will get us across the line for our “four-peat”! I encourage all of Gandhi House to join me in getting involved and making 2024 the best year yet for Gandhi House.