Long Serving Staff

Staffing Profile – completing our short series of long term employees with Department of Education

Mrs Ros Faulkner – grade 5 teacher and next year transferring to Punchbowl PS

Where was your first teaching appointment? A grade 3 at Ravenswood Primary School

If you have worked at Norwood for 21 years, what other schools have you worked in? Not many schools but I have taught lots of interesting subjects and lovely children.

At Ravenswood I taught grades 3 & 4. I also taught Visual Art, full time, for two years working with all the grades from kinder to 6.

At West Launceston I taught grade 2 and I also taught children who were hearing impaired.

At St Michael’s Special School my first class was a family group of children aged 8 to 15. I also taught children who had specific language disabilities so they all needed individual programs for language and maths. Later while I was still there, I taught high school students life skill programs such as Maths for Living , Community Access, Sex Education, Drug Education, Personal Hygiene, Cooking and Social Skills.

Who has been a Principal you have admired? Kelly Heathcote. I really admired the way she used her broad scope of knowledge to make effective decisions in her leadership role while keeping the children, parents and staff’s needs in mind. She could make tough decisions when she needed to but she was also empathetic and very supportive of her staff.

James your son, and a very successful cricketer, went to Norwood, how was he as a student with his mum in the same school? James’ younger sisters were delighted that their mum was coming to teach at Norwood Primary School. However, I think James was less enthusiastic as I think he worried that I might say or do something embarrassing. That could be because when I did do something weird my children would often say, “ You’re so embarrassing mum”. My response would always be, ”It’s a mother’s job to be embarrassing as it builds character in their children.” After James’ initial concerns, he quickly got over it and would just laugh. I absolutely loved the fact that I was here to see my children’s assemblies, sporting events and also get to know their school friends. It’s been great.

Kate Andrew – Grade 1 teacher

What school other than Norwood do you have a great fondness for? Trevallyn.

What year did you begin working at Norwood and who was a great support for you in your first year?  2020, each and every member of the school community.

Describe Norwood and its children in 3 words! Friendly, realistic and supportive.

What has been a significant change for you during your teaching career?Increased access to and use of technology.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming holidays? Relaxing and becoming a grandparent.