How well do you
know our staff?
This week we learn a little about Monica and Sarah.
Monica O'Shannassy
How long have you been teaching/working in schools?
I started working in schools approximately 30 years ago. In that time I have worked at several schools and have held a variety of roles including Acting Principal, Deputy Principal, Religious Education Leader, Writing Coach, Learning and Teacher Leader, STEM Teacher, PE Teacher and I have been a classroom teacher for every year level.
Current roles and responsibilities?
I am fortunate to be able to say that I am the Principal of this wonderful school.
What do you love about working at St Joseph’s?
I love seeing students grow in their learning and being a small part of their learning journey. I enjoy encouraging students to be the very best they can be and making a difference in the world. I enjoy being a part of a vibrant learning community, such as the community here at St Joseph's and partnering with families in the education process. I enjoy working with the dedicated professional staff and striving to improve learning outcomes for all students.
Interests/passions outside of school
I enjoy keeping active by going for long walks and bike rides. I enjoy reading novels, watching movies and catching up with family and friends.
Family
I am married to Jim and we have three children (or rather young adults) - Maggie 23, Ned 21 and Tom 19. Everyone's favourite member of our family is Terry, our pet dog.
Sarah Pancic
How long have you been teaching/working in schools?
This is my second year as a Learning Support Officer LSO at St Joseph’s. I have also worked for the last 9 years as a Gymnastics Instructor at Peninsula Gymnastics. I have a BA in Fashion Design and designed for JAG and Balin until my husband started working fly in fly out in WA and we had young kids and it got too busy.
Current roles and responsibilities?
I currently work in the 5/6 learning space with groups and individual students, supporting and assisting the students, teachers and specialist teachers. I also help out in other learning spaces when needed.
What do you love about working at St Joseph’s?
My husband and I chose St Joseph’s for my eldest daughter 15 years ago when we walked into the school and knew it was “the one” and I still believe that it is “the one”. I love that every day is different and that every student is different. I love that I get to work and learn from such a variety of talented teachers with so much drive, dedication and passion for what they do. I love the small size and the supportive environment of the school. The staff, students and parents make the St Joseph’s community and I am grateful that I am still a part of it.
Interests/passions outside of school
Outside of school I love spending time with my family and friends, walking my dog, trail riding with my daughter, sewing, cooking, reading, Pilates, spending time at the beach, working on projects around the house and taking my kids to sport. You may also see me at the Sorrento netball courts or at Truemans Rd on a Saturday morning in my red and whites, where I coach my daughters U15 netball team, it’s so much fun, I love it.
Family
My husband Jason and I have 3 beautiful daughters, Zahra who is 20 and following in my footsteps studying Fashion Design, Avah who is 18 and almost finished Yr 12 at Padua and Isla who is 14 and in Yr 9 at Padua. We have a kelpie named “Red” who had one of his first outings as a puppy to St Joseph’s for show and tell when Isla was in Miss Lumsden’s prep class. Red loves to chase pine cones and balls, but is not very good at bringing them back. He also loves the beach. My daughters have 1 horse (Disney) and 2 ponies (Polly and Evie). Avah is the main horse rider in the family now and she loves to jump Disney and Evie....sometimes I have to close my eyes! We also have 3 chooks and a guinea pig named Buddy.