Wow! Look at us now!
As we begin our final term for 2022 and we begin to start planning in earnest for next year there is a sense of optimism about 2023.
While exams for our Senior Students are almost upon us, and Term 4 is shaping up to be quite a busy time across all year levels, the prevailing sense that an end to COVID-related disruptions will allow us to return to a full calendar of events and celebrations as a College Community in the new year is an exciting prospect.
As witnessed at Grandparents’ Day earlier this week, the ability to welcome our parents, grandparents, families and friends on to campus is such a vital part of life here at Investigator, and I am very much looking forward to our 2023 College calendar beginning to fill up in the lead up to the Christmas break.
To complement the sense of optimism and positivity for our College the near future, I am also pleased to announce a number of exciting new appointments to enhance our already outstanding staff here at Investigator, in preparation for the new school year:
Teaching and Learning Staff
Darren Taylor
A highly regarded teacher from one of Perth’s leading primary schools, Darren is also a leader in Junior School robotics and enterprise education – two of our 2023 focus areas.
Jodie O’Donnell
Jodie is a highly respected Investigator teacher and current Head of HASS, who beat a particularly strong field to win the position of Assistant Head of Senior School. In this newly created position, Jodie will strengthen Senior School wellbeing and Investigator’s commitment to helping each child achieve optimum outcomes.
Katie Hills
Our very own Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT), Katie has been upskilling staff in her role as Literacy Coordinator this year. Katie is to be congratulated in winning the highly contested role of Junior School Curriculum Leader, beginning in 2023. We are now focused on having students benefit from all the advantages of the finest city colleges but with the addition of many unique features, including our highly regarded sustainability programs at Currency Creek.
Georgie Shearer
Many of you will know Georgie already as she is a parent of four lovely children here. Georgie is an outstanding, warm and committed teacher who will make our Junior Primary team even stronger.
Larissa Lyons
Larissa has won the position of Head of English from 2023. Joining the Investigator team in Term 3 this year, our students and staff will benefit from her impressive background of teaching English in a variety of settings.
Glyn Roberts
Formerly the Head of English at Peter’s College, Glyn joins our team as Secondary Curriculum Leaders. A published author, Glyn is highly regarded at Adelaide University for training English teachers and has also worked at Tatachilla, Trinity and Endeavour throughout his distinguished career. Glyn is excited to be returning to his passion area of curriculum leadership in another quality Anglican College.
Jamie Pantsaras
A new addition to our very strong English team, Jamie is transferring to Investigator from Pulteney Grammar School, where she has proven to be a high achiever at SACE level and a strong advocate for student wellbeing.
Martine Lacomme
We are pleased to be giving Drama increased focus next year, with Martine joining us to help enhance our current offerings in the Drama and Performing Arts areas.
Dianne McEvoy (ELC)
Dianne joins the staff of our Little Investigators Early Learning Centre this term, following experience working in a number of different contexts both locally and internationally.
Permanent Appointments
Congratulations to the following contract staff who have won permanent teaching roles from 2023:
Alana Coppock – Junior School
Raji Kaur – HASS
Amanda Bolt – HASS
Paul Lyons- Maths/Science
Some contract positions and internal leadership roles are still being finalised, but it is exciting to have these staff members continue to work with us here at Investigator.
Non-Teaching Staff
Liam Hensel
Director of Marketing and Community Engagement
A big welcome to Liam Hensel, who began in this new executive role last week.
Originally from South Australia Liam has returned from Queensland, where his achievements in a similar role have been quite remarkable. Prior to this Liam held numerous senior marketing roles, including at Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). Please feel free to drop into the office to connect with Liam!
Carol Clarke
Finance and Support Officer
This term we welcome Carol Clarke to our happy office team. Carol will be primarily based in the Senior School building, and will be lending her experience and expertise to our College Finance and Accounts team.
New Expanded OSHC Service
In addition to our new staffing appointments, I am delighted to announce that we will soon be offering a new, improved and extended Out of School Hours Service (OSHC) through the YMCA.
Specific improvements include:
- Before School Care
- Vacation Care Program (commencing over the Christmas Break)
- Staff and Service Delivery Guarantees – a minimum of 2 x Staff at all times
I know this will come as a huge relief to many of you, particularly our working families who will be sure to utilise before and after school drop offs to assist with the daily commute across the Fleurieu Peninsula and further into Adelaide.
I am both proud and happy to be able to offer this new service and support to both new and existing students, and hope it will be of great benefit to our Investigator College community!
To learn more about Outside School Hours Care at Investigator College, or to book a place for your child, please visit:
https://investigator.sa.edu.au/parents/after-hours-care
Looking Ahead
With all of the exciting changes and developments on the horizon, I am sure that 2023 will indeed be a year when you feel the Investigator difference – but before then I wish all students, parents/carers and families a wonderful Term 4 and a fantastic finish to 2022!
John Robinson
Principal
