Staff in Focus

Q&A with . . . Head of Kilnacrott House

STARTING this term, Mr Price has swapped his Canons whistle, whiteboard and windcheater and for all things green as the Head of Kilnacrott House. Here, he talks about his ill-fated AFL career and what he has in store for the Crocs . . .

St Norbert News: Thanks for joining us, Mr Price. How long have you worked at St Norbert College and what led you here?

MP: Thanks for inviting me to be involved! I was 27 when I started teaching. I am very good friends with former teacher Mr Ford and he let me know about a few job vacancies. I started at St Norbert in 2015 as a middle school teacher. I was trained in PE but I spent most of my first year teaching Humanities, RE and upper school business. I was lucky enough to pick up a few PE classes in my second year and the rest is history. To be honest, I had never heard of the College and didn't know where it was.

SNN: So you haven’t always been a teacher?

MP: That’s right. I’d love to say that I had a promising AFL career that was cut short by injury or something like that, but the truth is probably not as glamorous. After leaving school I had dreams of becoming a player agent but after completing a Bachelor’s degree, I realised that the pathway to that wasn’t quite as clear, so after spending a few years in product design and offshore manufacturing, I decided to head back to university to do my Diploma of Education. In reality, teaching was always something I wanted to do, having come from a family full of teachers.

SNN: Is a career in Physical Education as much fun as it seems?

MP: It’s a great subject but of course there are pros and cons. I think in PE we get see the best of the students, watching them problem solve, work with others and step outside of their comfort zone but then there are other things to manage like uniform, weather and equipment availability. It’s one of those subjects where when everyone is in harmony, it’s like making magic, but then all it takes is for one or two people to have the wrong attitude and it quickly impacts everyone else.

SNN: What are some of your fondest memories of your years at St Norbert College far?

MP:  The community aspect of the College is amazing, it really feels like everyone is working together although different departments and learning areas have different (and sometimes conflicting) priorities. I often reflect about how my day is either won or lost based on the interactions I’ve had with students that day. Days like St Norbert Day and House carnivals are always a highlight because I feel like we see the best of our students displaying the College values. In my time at the College I’ve married my wife, built a house, had my daughter and celebrated some other milestones and become good mates with some of the staff. St Norbert College has really become a part of who am I which, prior to teaching, I never would have thought would be possible from a job.

SNN: We know you’re a rusted-on member of the Canons Cycling Group – where, when and who do you cycle with?

MP: Haha! Actually I have only picked it up the last 4 or 5 years thanks to a bit of convincing from Mr Rod “Rocket” Dowling but it’s been incredible enjoyable and a few others have jumped on as well. The peloton currently consists of B. Gherardi, S. Harvey, R. Dowling, R. Godfrey, K. Isard, C. Houwen and J. Aquino along with a few staff from other schools but a few of them like to hibernate over the winter so there’s not as many braving the elements during the colder months but I’m sure they will be dusting off the helmets when the weather starts to warm up! Mr Gherardi is always keen for a ride and we try to get out 3-4 times a week. I’ve set myself a goal of 6000kms for the year which I’m on track for. To be honest though, it’s more about the coffee and banter after the ride. It’s always great to have a laugh together as we recount how no one was able to keep up with me (again). It’s a really great bonding experience and one that has become a really important part of my week.

SNN: Do you have time for any other sporting interests or hobbies?

MP: I follow horse racing quite fondly and I’ve been lucky enough to have an interest in a few handy ones in the past. Rumour has it that I have the best looking lawn this side of the city but I’m not sure I buy into that. I do really enjoy getting in the garden during spring and summer and keeping it all looking nice. Awfully tempted to purchase the new virtual mowing game that’s just launched, but that would cut into my mowing time…

SNN: Do you have any special plans (or secret weapons) for Kilnacrott at the Inter-House Athletics Carnival?

MP: There’s a lot going on down at KHQ as we formulate our plan towards becoming back-to-back-to-back House champions (I think it’s called a threepeat?). The athletics carnival is an important part of the plan but we are all about the 1%ers as opposed to other Houses who are just a flash in the pan. At Kilnacrott we are about consistent efforts over the whole year. If we can do the little things right then we know that the big things will sort themselves out. We are a picture of calmness and preparation as we look towards one of the College marquee events. I’m working on our 2023 campaign now: 

SNN: What are you most looking forward to about leading the Crocs for the rest of this year and beyond? 

MP: As much as I love to see the Champion House banner hang proudly from the Kilnacrott banner, in reality, what I’m most looking forward to as Head of House is working with the students. They are the reason we come to school and to be able to work more closely with Kilnacrott students is a really exciting prospect. We are really lucky to have some many lovely students and families and I feel privileged to be a part of such a great Pastoral Care team and be trusted to offer pats on the back or a shoulder of support if and when our students need it. 

Mrs L Quartermain

(Community Relations and Marketing)