In order of duration of service:

James Corbin - Year 3 (MR)

James leaves us this year after 8 years in the Primary school. During this time, he has taught several year levels as a Homeroom teacher and has watched and supported the school throughout this period of growth. James was appointed to the curriculum leadership role as Head of Learning – Humanities, Science and Technology in 2017 and led the introduction of Inquiry based learning along with organising and coordinating Science week events. James has also chaired the Resource Smart committee where he implemented a range of environmentally friendly sustainable initiatives, including a wide scale tree planting project. James also took charge of the Primary school garden, introducing a garden club and providing opportunities for students to experience the planting and harvesting of a variety of homegrown vegetables.

James McMorrow - Year 5 (MR)

James joined Hume Anglican Grammar in the Primary school in 2017 and has taught Years 3 and 5 over the past four years. In addition to James’ Homeroom teaching, he also took on the position of Craigie House Coordinator where he worked closely with staff and students to ensure House events ran smoothly and all students had the opportunity to participate. James’ focus and dedication towards the pastoral care and wellbeing of students and his willingness to go above and beyond and to step in to support others has been very much appreciated. James and his partner, Simone, plan on relocating interstate where they will continue their respective careers.

Lily Baring - Year 6 (MR)

Lilly Baring has been a regular staff member in the Primary school at both our Mt Ridley and Donnybrook campuses over the past 3 years. Earlier this year, Lilly stepped in to take a Year 5 class in Term 1 and has most recently taught 6C as their Term 4 Homeroom teacher. Prior to this, Lilly taught Health, Physical Education and Visual Art at Donnybrook. Lilly plans on travelling to Europe and beyond next year, a trip she has been planning now for some time.

Natalie Parker - Primary Specialist (MR)

Initially working as a Casual Relief Teacher across both the Primary and Secondary school, Natalie stepped in to fill the part time role as a Primary Visual Arts teacher at Mt Ridley. Natalie was a valuable contributor and maintained consistency throughout Remote Teaching and Learning in Semester 2. Natalie has made a valuable contribution to The Arts and we thank her for her efforts and the knowledge and passion she has instilled in her students.

Nimala Lazar - Secondary Mathematics and Science

Nirmala joined us at short notice at the beginning of Term 3, teaching junior Mathematics and Science. She is to be commended for teaching her classes for many weeks online without having met her students in person. We thank Nirmala for her service to Hume and wish her all the very best for her future endeavours.

Alessandra Scrofani - Secondary Languages Assistant

Joining the Secondary school in Term 3 and, despite the remote teaching and learning conditions, began her role in assisting teachers and students in their Italian studies. Throughout her time, Alessandra has supported the Year 12 Italian class in developing their speaking and written skills and has achieved excellent results. She has also worked alongside teachers in developing curriculum and resources for Italian classes and assisted students in their Italian lessons throughout the secondary school.

We thank all these staff for their contribution and commitment and wish them continued success in the next chapter of their lives.

We also acknowledge and pass on our thanks to staff who have stepped out of their leadership roles at the end of this year. Koula Laleas has been the VCE Coordinator at Hume for seven years and, during that time, has not only contributed to the development of the learning culture in the Secondary school, but overseen the School’s ever-improving VCE results. Nicola Connelly has served these past 4 years as the Primary Head of Learning - Languages. Nicola’s passion for literacy has been particularly evident in the initiatives and programs she has introduced. Nicola has been instrumental in the introduction and implementation of the THRASS program and the take home reading program. Nicola has also coordinated Book week activities, community reading nights, staff and parent information sessions and Cultural Diversity week. Laila Sarraf as the Head of Learning - Mathematics has led the department for three years and is well known for her great passion for all things mathematics. The output of the department is testament to Laila’s teamwork, organisational and problem-solving skills. We thank these staff members for the leadership and guidance of both students and staff.

Earlier this term, we also farewelled Catherine Yap, Primary Specialist (DB), who takes parenting leave. We look forward to meeting the new addition to her family and welcoming her back next year. Tricsha Harrington, Secondary English/Humanities, takes long service for Semester 1 and we wish her all the best as she enjoys a well-earned break.

I would also like to pass on my most sincere appreciation to the Teachers’ Assistants who joined the Primary schools this term to provide additional support to the students as they transitioned back to onsite classes. At Mt Ridley - Kiran Dhaliwal, Darcey Newton and Donna Sekulovski, and at Donnybrook - Alissa Haber, Jasmine Padua Bowditch and Michelle Scerri. Their contribution has been splendid, and I know the teachers have appreciated having the added help.

I look forward to introducing new 2021 staff in the final edition of this year’s Newsletter.

Bill Sweeney - Principal