How well do you
know our staff?
This week we learn a little about Jane, Jacqui and Emma.
JANE BYRNE - Sustainability and community Engagement
How long have you been teaching/working in schools?
I have been teaching for 26 years but have only been at St. Joseph’s for 5 years. My specialist areas are: Creative Arts and Sustainability.
Current roles and responsibilities?
Sustainability and Community Engagement.
What do you love about working at St Joseph’s?
I love the possibilities involved in working with the children, not only in the classroom and the garden, but having opportunities to work cooperatively with community groups.
I love being involved in changing the face of the school into a green and bio diverse space.
Interests/passions outside of school?
I love to snorkel, beach comb, garden, look after my worm farms, paint, draw , silversmith and work with clay.
I’m an Indigenous volunteer with Community First and work with indigenous schools and women.
I write for Open Gardens Victoria each month; a children’s article called “Kids Corner” which includes content and images.
I am also a committee member of SCAG , Sorrento Coastal Advisory Group.
Family
I have been married to Julian for 44 years. I have three beautiful children, Nicole, Marcus and Kieran and three lovely grandchildren, Ruby, Phoebe and Andre. I also own a very challenging Brittany spaniel called Bingo.
JACQUI HAYES - PE Specialist
How long have you been teaching/working in schools?
I managed a Learn to Swim School after completing a Business Degree at University. I then realised I wanted to be a teacher, so changed careers and began my teaching career in Castlemaine. Shortly afterwards I moved to St Therese, Torquay where I taught for 5 years and was fortunate enough to pursue further study, completing both a Master of Education-Literacy (ACU) and Master of Education (Melb Uni). I loved teaching in a contemporary open learning environment but didn’t like catching the ferry to work after buying a house, on this side of the peninsula. I wanted to continue working in a school which was similar and encompassed my teaching philosophy. I began teaching at St Joseph’s in 2014.
Current roles and responsibilities?
I am currently the Sports Coordinator and P.E teacher. I teach the students sport each week as well as organise the school sports carnivals and work with the other sports leaders in the district to organise district events. I run the school swimming program, with the help of many of our parent volunteers, and look forward to organising some new sports programs this year.
What do you love about working at St Joseph’s?
Ultimately I love to make a difference in a child’s life. I love to see them shine and succeed but to do this I believe you need to work in an environment in which you learn and are supported by the people around you. St Joseph’s is this for me! I love the people I work with, their drive, passion and I love learning from each other. I love our community and how everyone knows everyone and is supportive and embracing. I love teaching in a contemporary, open learning classroom which teaches a child at their point of need and is flexible and adaptable, but most of all I love our students. I love seeing them each week, how they make me smile and teach me new things. In particular, this year I am incredibly proud to work alongside our students during sport and interschool sport activities, their sportsmanship, support for each other and determination is a credit to our families.
Interests/passions outside of school?
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I love to travel, learn new things and enjoy the outdoors. I am currently training for my second half marathon, play netball with a group of mums and love to swim.
Family
My husband Shannon and I have 3 children, Mila (7), Van (4) and Jesse (20 months). We also have an 8 year old Beaglier, Bali and a fish, whose name changes often but today it is Hulk.
EMMA CERVI - Learning Support Officer (LSO)
How long have you been teaching/working in schools?
This is my second year as an LSO at St Joseph's, previously I was a Diversional Therapist and Nurse.
Current roles and responsibilities?
Currently I work in the 5/6 and 3/4 learning spaces. I work with groups and individual students, assisting and supporting the students with class lessons. I also go to specialist classes with the students.
What do you love about working at St Joseph’s?
I love the close, and supportive environment for staff, students and families.
I love the 'Ah ha' moments when it all comes together for a student and the infectious enthusiasm for learning.
Interests/passions outside of school?
When I’m not at St Joseph's, I'm working on my house renovations or spending time with my family. I enjoy cooking, walking and catching up with friends. I also love to travel so I'm hoping to do more of that, now we can!!
Family
I have 3 children, who all attended St Josephs; Chloe, 24, is an Occupational Therapist, Jensen, 21 is an Electrical Apprentice and Rio, 16 is in year 11. My parents and siblings all live on the Peninsula so I’m blessed to have them so close to me, and see them regularly .