We are pleased to welcome Robyn Thomson to our Junior School Kew team in the role of Year 4–6 Leader for Semester 2, 2024. Watch the video to learn more about Robyn and her hobbies, professional background, educational philosophy and AFL team!
Transcript:
Kylie: Welcome to our Carey family members and our Carey community members. I hope that this message finds you well and that your child has had a really positive start to the new term.
Today I'm delighted to be able to introduce you to a new member of the Carey community who will play a pivotal role on the junior school leadership team at Kew. Mrs Robyn Thomson, with Ms Emma Chiera stepping into the role as Acting Deputy Head of Student Wellbeing during Mr Ingles's absence this semester. This has created a leadership opportunity for our Year 4–6 area. Mrs Robyn Thomson has been appointed to this role, and she brings with her a wealth of experience and dedication to student learning and development, as well as fostering and strong community engagement.
So Robyn, it's a pleasure to have you join us as the Year 4–6 Leader at Carey Junior School Kew. Could you start by telling us a little bit about yourself and maybe sharing some of your interests and passions?
Robyn: I'm married with two children: Monique is 20 and Lachlan is 17. I have one dog and two cats, and my passions and interests: I love to cook, I love my going to my Pilates, spending time with family and friends and walking my dog.
Kylie: Well, we certainly do have a number of dog lovers in the community and Robyn and I shared our love, our shared love of Pilates very early on as well. So Robyn, could you maybe tell us a little bit now about yourself as an educator and even share some of your experiences before you got into education? And what is it that inspires you as an educator?
Robyn: So prior to joining Carey, for the last 11 years, I worked at St Bridget's in Balwyn North and held a number of leadership positions, including Principal for six years. Prior to that I worked for the Commonwealth Bank for 17-and-a-half years in a number of roles. In terms of me as an educator, and what motivates me is having a positive impact on the children so that they can be the best versions of themselves.
Kylie: And tell us about your first impressions of when you joined Carey. So you've been here, this is your second week. So you've been here one week in one day. Tell us about your first impressions.
Robyn: First impressions of Carey. I felt very welcomed from very first day from staff and the students. The level of respect that the children show and the staff show each other and the children was impressive. And despite being large school, I was made aware very quickly that the children are well known and well supported.
Kylie: And I think we played back my introductory video, which was done three years ago, I would have given a similar response, as well as I think any new staff member to the community and the fact that there is such a strong sense of community here and all members – our parents, students and staff – are so welcoming. It is something that we really pride ourselves on, so I'm pleased that you had that experience in that first experience, too. So what are you most excited about in your new role as Year 4–6 Leader?
Robyn: I suppose firstly, getting to know the staff and the students and the parent community and developing, you know, a strong relationship with all of those stakeholders. And then, you know, working in partnership with all of them for the benefit of our children.
Kylie: Thank you and I know that our students are really going to benefit from your dedication and your expertise across this semester as well. And and before we wrap up and I let you off the hook Robyn, you may have sensed already even through our assembly last week that we do have some very strong AFL supporters in the Junior School. So this question is on behalf of our students. First part of the question is do you follow football and if so, who is your team?
Robyn: Yes, I follow AFL have done so since a small child. And unfortunately at the moment, my team is not doing very well. I barrack for the Kangaroos. So I look forward to more successful years ahead.
Kylie: Well, we've had to learn sometimes to put our football teams aside during working together but I'm sure you'll have some very very happy children who hear that you go for the Kangaroos as well.
So please join me in welcoming Robyn to our Carey community and I think through the interview and if you get to meet Robyn, you'll definitely get a sense of her warmth and her dedication and I know that her enthusiasm and experience is really going to enrich the learning journey of our Year 4 to 6 students as they continue across the year. If you have any questions or you would like the opportunity to meet with Robyn personally, then please do not hesitate to reach out.
Well thank you for joining us and wishing you all and your children a wonderful semester ahead. Thank you.
Kylie Baxter
Head of Junior School Kew
