MEET THE STAFF - MR DAYMAN AND MRS ATHERTON

MR BRETT DAYMAN

Assistant Deputy Principal - Year 8

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
   I grew up in the northern suburbs not far from Sacred Heart. My parents were both teachers and many of my extended family are also teachers, so it was almost inevitable that I become a teacher myself. 
   
   I was very fortunate to be able to travel a lot with my family when I was younger, so I have visited many parts of the world, Europe being my favourite. 
   
   In my younger days I was a competitive runner representing WA in the 400m Hurdles. My greatest achievement was competing at the 2002 Commonwealth Games trials. 
   
   I have two young boys who love their sport (cricket, AFL and athletics). The whole family are passionate Fremantle supporters; hopefully 2023 is our year!
    
2. What are you most passionate about in your job?
   I have a real passion for Physical Education (PE), having taught the subject for 20 years. I love seeing students being active and playing sport. 
   
   In my current role as ADP I am passionate about pastoral care and student wellbeing. I find it very rewarding seeing students succeed, flourish and reach their potential at school. Things don’t always go right and some days are tougher than others, but I feel a great sense of achievement seeing students grow and overcome some of life’s challenges through perseverance and resilience.
    
3. What other schools have you worked at?
   I worked at Clarkson Community High School for one year in 2003, Emmanuel Catholic College for seven years between 2004 and 2010 and Servite College for 11 years between 2011 and 2021 before joining Sacred Heart in 2022.
    
4. Do you have any hobbies?
   I enjoy running and keeping fit. At home I like to keep busy by gardening, building things and doing little repair jobs around the house.
    
5. What do you like most about working at Sacred Heart College?
   The community feel is great, I have felt very welcomed in my first two years at the College. There are many opportunities provided to students to excel both in and out of the classroom. The Trevor Lynch Pastoral Care Centre (PCC) is a wonderful place to work, we have a very supportive team who have the best interests of students at heart.
   
   Finally, it is hard to top that view, it is great for your wellbeing!
    

MRS TANYA ATHERTON

Head of Gifted and Talented Education

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
   I graduated from Newman College in 1978, where I was fortunate enough to be Head Girl. It was only the second year that the Marist, Brigidine and Siena campuses had amalgamated and coming from Siena (all girls) to co-education in Year 11 was quite a shock to us. 
   
   I have two children (Marnie, Class of 2006 and Daniel, Class of 2009) and two grandchildren (Leo, 4 and Noah, nearly 3). Marnie is a paediatric physiotherapist and Dan is a Director at Deloitte in consulting.
   
   This year I will receive recognition for 40 years' service to Catholic Education in WA! I have actually been part of Catholic Education WA for 42 years but had some maternity leave (obviously, I started teaching when I was ten! Haha – not!)
   
   Besides my children I have two greatest achievements: getting the award for top student in my master's degree and being fortunate enough to win the National Excellence in Teaching Award in 2011.
    
2. What are you most passionate about in your job?
   "Find a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life". For many people this probably sounds ridiculous, but I can genuinely say that in 40 years there were only a handful of days I woke up thinking "I wish I didn’t have to go to work today". As soon as I am with the students I am in my happy place! I am passionate about helping students reach their potential, believe in themselves and enjoy the ‘love of learning’. I also love getting out of the classroom and getting involved in extra-curricular opportunities with so many students.
    
3. What other schools have you worked at?
   I was originally a primary teacher and taught at Mary's Mount Gooseberry Hill in 1982-1983 and Newman College from 1984-1988. I was at Padbury Catholic Primary School from 1989-2016 and started the GATE program there in 1994. I have also started the GATE program at Whitfords Catholic Primary School (2001-2006) and Currambine Catholic Primary School, which is now known as Francis Jordan Catholic School, from 2007-2012.
   
   In 2013, former Principal Mr Peter Bothe, along with Mr Leo Di Gregorio who was a Deputy Principal at the time and Mr Trevor Lynch, called me in for a chat about GATE programs and then I took the leap of faith to secondary teaching! It was a big move for me, but one I am eternally grateful for. I have since started the GATE program here at Sacred Heart College. 
    
4. Do you have any hobbies?
   I love shopping – especially at op shops in little country towns and overseas!
   
   My regular family holiday hot spots are Rottnest, Bali and Karri Valley. I love travelling anywhere new and have been to Thailand, Penang, Singapore, Bali, Sabah, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, New Zealand, Italy, Paris, Dubai, England, Panama, Mexico and all around the USA. One of my favourite trips was visiting the music regions of New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville.
    
5. What do you like most about working at Sacred Heart College?
   ALL MY STUDENTS! I love their sense of humour, their commitment to do well and their ‘I CAN’ attitudes. I love that they get involved and are willing to put the time and effort in to reap the rewards.
   
   I love my GATE room and also love the quality human beings I teach with – I always feel supported. I am blessed!