How well do you
know our staff?
This week we learn a little about Lucy, Donna, Marg, and Laura.
Lucy O'Brien
How long have you been teaching/working in schools?
Well, not counting the years I worked at a school in the Philippines as a teacher, I have been working here since1996 and that makes it 26 years. Yes, I have been here that long. I started as a trainee and was offered the job permanently.
Current Roles and responsibilities
My current role as Admin/Finance Officer involves clerical jobs involving routine office procedures, perform receptionist duties, maintain financial records, maintain data and update records for reporting, payroll processing and assist in the preparation of the Annual Financial Statement.
What do you love about working at St Joseph’s?
Actually, my late husband chose St. Joseph’s School for me to do my training because this is where he spent his primary years of schooling. I was a bit anxious at first because I came from a different background and in my mind I was different, but the friendly and welcoming faces of the staff, students and parents, and even the parishioners, made me feel at ease and that’s one of the things I love about St. Joseph’s. I love being in a learning environment. I love working with the staff and watching children learn. I am lucky enough to be a part of this community.
Interests/passions outside of school
I love spending time with my grandsons. I enjoy walking, love doing Yoga. Every now and then, I play my guitar. When I am bored, I do karaoke because I’m a Filipina (it’s a Filipino thing). I also love travelling.
Family
I have an adult son, daughter-in-law and two beautiful grandsons –Marley (6) and Miller (3 in Sept).
Donna McPherson
How long have you been teaching / working in schools?
I have had the privilege of working as a Learning Support Officer(LSO) at St Joseph since 2017. Prior to this I volunteered my time as a parent of the school on the PNF, parent helper and each week our gorgeous Mel McFayden and I would check the students hair for lice. Sadly no-one has taken over this career pathway since us. (HaHa).
Before having my 3 beautiful children, I was a registered nurse in the emergency department at St Vincent's Public Hospital (Melbourne).
Current Roles and Responsibilities?
I currently work part time (Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays). I work one on one with amazing students from grades 3 to 6, using the Multilit Program. I feel very fortunate to work with these beautiful children. To see a child grow and succeed is extremely rewarding and gives me goose bump moments!
I am very passionate about my job and I hope to encourage the students to reach their full potential and for them to believe in themselves and their capabilities.
What do you love about working at St Joseph's?
I have been involved in the St Joseph's community since 2006, when my son started in grade prep. Our three children were all students at St Joey's and have fond memories of the school. I have seen many changes over the years; school structures, classrooms, teachers and principals. The school and community spirit has not changed, it remains a kind, respectful and supportive environment! The school continues to evolve and grow with the times.
I feel proud to be a part of the staff, their team spirit is inspiring. They are driven and they are passionate as well as dedicated to their jobs and the students. I am so fortunate to work amongst all the staff and students of St Joseph's. My optimum goal is to make a positive difference in the learning journey of the students I work with.
Interests/passions outside of school.
I love being with my family, I love family dinners, family movie nights - watching comedies. I enjoy catching up with my friends, going to local markets. I love reading, taking photos and art museums.
Family
We are a Family of Five. My husband and I have three Gorgeous children ( no biases - haha). James (22), Ruby (19), and Billie (16).
Before we moved down to the Peninsula 19 years ago, we lived in the heart of the city (off Little Bourke Street).
We have one fur baby 'Douggie' he is a mixed breed dog but has a kind and gentle nature.
My family is 'My Heart and Soul' !
Marg McInnes
How long have you been teaching/working in schools?
4 years .
Current roles and responsibilities?
I am lucky enough to have been involved from the start of our wonderful Little Joey's Playgroup 4 years ago. We now have over 100 families registered and some of our foundation members like Annabel White still come and join us on a Thursday. It's so much fun!
What do you love about working at St Joseph’s?
Having relocated from overseas to the area knowing nobody 5 years ago, I was blessed to be immediately surrounded by amazing, eclectic and kind people. My first afternoon I was in the supermarket at Blairgowrie and Adriana approached me and asked if I was the new family from Scotland. She then gave me her phone number and that was the foundation for my family of being welcomed into our school community and surrounded by kindness, support, friendship, laughter and conversation. I can never express my gratitude to all of you who I have met along the way, The staff genuinely care about each other. We are like one big family. Having been a parent and staff member has been a great privilege.
Interests/passions outside of school
I am involved in many community organisations and devote a lot of time to the Sorrento Portsea R.S.L. I have retired from the SJS school board after 4 years and am now the Chair of Community Engagement for Padua College and also on their S.A.C. I have an interest in Child Safety and have been a member of the parish committee for 3 years. In the summer you may see me in the tower at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron collating the race results. I love cooking, golf, collecting shells (especially paper nautilus), gardening, Tintin but most of all networking, connecting people and talking!
Family
I have 3 incredible children who make me proud everyday . They all went to St Joseph's when we arrived and are now at Padua. Their names are even on a brick in the school wall. I am the youngest of 7 children, have 23 nieces and nephews and 38 great nieces and nephews all in South Australia .
Laura McGinness
How long have you been teaching/working in schools?
I have been working and volunteering in schools for over 25 years. This work has been in Tasmania, Canberra, The Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory and in Victoria
Current roles and responsibilities?
I am an LSO at St Joseph’s and do a wide variety of work that includes; helping in the classrooms, playgroup, the canteen, the office, the garden, the library and general jobs around the school.
What do you love about working at St Joseph’s?
I love working with and being around children. Children play such a special part in my life. I also love learning new things and keeping busy. I especially love the people of St Joseph’s including the staff and families. It is a wonderful, welcoming and inclusive community.
Interests/passions outside of school
Art, reading, walking, gardening, cooking, travelling, being with family and volunteering at Vinnies,
Family
I live with my Mum Ellie. I have three sisters, four nephews and four nieces. I have a large extended family that get together and visit each other frequently.