Staff News

Meet: Penny McCue

What do you currently teach?  

I currently teach senior Drama, Advanced English and Library.

Where and what did you study?  

I've attended University of Sydney, University of New England and Edith Cowan University.

I started Social Studies and then changed to a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Theatre. I then completed my Dip. Ed. in English, Drama, ESL; followed by a Graduate Diploma in Information Science/Librarianship.

Growing up, did you have a hero?

My heroes were writers, musicians and theatre practitioners such as Shakespeare, Samuel Beckett and Anton Chekhov. I loved the music of Louis Armstrong, Joni Mitchell, Annie Lennox and Herbie Hancock.

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

I performed as a singer/actor in various theatre companies for many years, touring QLD, NSW, ACT and Adelaide Festival. I also performed in jazz/rock ensembles and cabaret. After this I worked in marketing at Opera Australia which was also a very different world. I loved this position but, although I grew up in Sydney, I yearned for a “tree-change” and the life Armidale offers. 

What is your favourite thing about being a teacher?

I enjoy the creative challenges of teaching. It reminds me of rehearsals in theatre where one is working with others to try out new ideas and solve problems. Like the rehearsal room, the classroom can be like a laboratory where students explore various approaches to a play or poem or idea. Therefore, the classroom can be a very exciting place whether the solution is a success or a failure!

As a teacher, you are also always learning. The more you know the more you want to know. 

What makes you laugh the most?

In school? - Moments in the rehearsal in a Drama lesson when a student captures a moment in a play with brilliant timing, attention to detail and integrity. 

Outside school? – Monty Python or Martin McDonagh films. Comedy has its own wisdom and worth listening to. 

Meet: Emma Fischer 

What is your current role at ASC?  

I work as an Administration Officer, usually at the Front Reception Desk. I have been at ASC for just over a year. 

One of the roles I really enjoy is building relationships with families through the Phone Intervention Programme (PIP). The purpose of PIP is to inform parents/carers that their child is absent from school and to seek a brief explanation. We are finding this is a successful way to improve regular school attendance for many students.

What is your most used mobile app?  

Either Facebook or Good Novel.

Growing up, did you have a hero?  

My Dad. He was a single parent to 4 children, and has always done everything to help and be there - he is my idol. 

What is your favourite book to read?  

The Black Jewel's Trilogy.

What would be your dream destination over the holidays?

I would love to go and visit Ireland.

What is three words best describe you?  

Happy, friendly, helpful.