New Staff

Nick Drummond

Mr Drummond has picked up a wealth of experience teaching at Edgars Creek Secondary, Hornsey School for Girls and Stephenson Studio School, as well as having a previous contract here at St Helena. We are fortunate to welcome him back to St Helena.   He says it’s been great being back and seeing all the kids settling back in so well. Mr Drummond says he became a teacher because he had a few teachers in high school and a particular Grade 5 teacher who made teaching look fun!  He is an avid tennis player, having played for over 20 years.  (We didn’t think you looked that old Mr Drummond!)  He teaches English, History and Humanities.  Welcome back Mr Drummond – we missed you!

Alysha James 

Ms James is in her first year of teaching.   Her first impression of St Helena is that it is an inclusive and supportive environment for all in the community.  She says all the staff and students she has met so far have been welcoming and lovely. Ms James chose to be a teacher to support students to reach their potential, as well as to inspire deeper thought and creativity about the world around us.  Ms James says she is quite clumsy and slow at finding her way, so navigating our big campus is certainly interesting!  (I’m sure our students will help you Ms James.)  Her hobbies include Lego, reading and crafts and she has a deep obsession with all things Star Wars!   Ms James teaches Legal Studies and Humanities.  I have already heard positive things about Ms James from some of her students!

Olivia Carr

Ms Carr has spent the last two years teaching at Wallan Secondary College before joining us at St Helena.  She believes she has come to a wonderful school (and I agree with her!).  She comments that the staff are helpful, kind and friendly.  She sees that our students are friendly, well behaved and understand school expectations well.  She appreciates that the school is organised and structured.  Ms Carr just loves to be around children of any age where she is able to share creativity and spark their enthusiasm towards being creative and artistic.   She teaches Art and Technology.  Ms Carr is already seen as a positive and enthusiastic teacher by her colleagues and students. 

Claire Suckling

Ms Suckling joins us as a Learning Specialist.   She spent 2 years at the Department of Education North Eastern Regional Office as a Professional Learning Communities practice instructor, 2 years at Kew High School, 3 at Copperfield College and 4 years teaching in England.  She has found our staff really helpful and our students polite. She likes that fact that we have clear policies, and thinks our reporting set up is great.   She loves the progress tasks as she feels they give parents a real indication of where their children are at, giving them a chance to reflect on their work and improve where needed.   She appreciates the large range of Art and Tech subjects, as well as the pathway to do VET.  She sees this as an inclusive program so all students can follow their pathway to achieve.  Ms Suckling teaches Visual Communication and Design, Art and Technology.  St Helena will benefit from her vast knowledge and experience in supporting teachers to improve their practice.