8 STAFF PROFILES
CIRCLING BACK TO HOME Each year, St Catherine’s graduates return to us as staff. Let’s hear from just a few Old Girls who have found their way back to St Cath’s.
“ It means the world to help educate the next generation of St Cath’s girls. It means creating an environment where young women feel valued, supported and empowered to achieve their potential.
1996
Karen Walton (Lants, STC1996)
Karen Walton (Lants, STC1996)
Joining St Catherine’s in Kindergarten, Karen fondly remembers being welcomed by “a very kind and caring teacher, Mrs Cottrell, who made everyone feel at ease and made learning so enjoyable”. Her favourite teacher, however, was PE teacher Ms Harden. Through her engaging lessons and extensive cocurricular sports program, Ms Harden inspired Karen and her classmates to participate in as many activities as possible. “She was an incredible role model and inspired me to become a PE teacher,” Karen said. “After graduating from university, a full-time PE teaching position became available at St Cath’s. I applied and have never looked back.”
2014
Kaitlin Laycock (STC2014) Learn to Swim Coordinator
Although Kaitlin felt nervous on her first day, she remembers “feeling so welcomed by every girl that I had already made a group of friends by lunchtime”. This sense of openness, she says, still defines the school today. “A St Cath’s girl isn’t afraid to try something new, make new friends and encourage everyone to get involved. You never see a St Cath’s girl sitting by herself.” Now working at the school, Kaitlin values the opportunity to continue fostering this strong sense of community.
She particularly enjoys the fact that two of her favourite teachers remain at St Cath’s: Mr Vancers in English and Ms Hampton in Visual Arts. “English wasn’t my strongest subject, but Mr Vancers was always so bubbly and energetic that it became my favourite subject that year,” she said. “I also really enjoyed Ms Hampton’s art classes. She encouraged me to explore and connect art with my own life.”
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