{"id":3497,"date":"2023-06-28T14:22:31","date_gmt":"2023-06-28T14:22:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/mtgambiertimes\/?p=3497"},"modified":"2023-11-04T16:06:17","modified_gmt":"2023-11-04T16:06:17","slug":"making-a-huge-difference-in-kids-lives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/mtgambiertimes\/news\/making-a-huge-difference-in-kids-lives\/","title":{"rendered":"Making a huge difference in kids\u2019 lives"},"content":{"rendered":"

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If you want to see the difference a truly dedicated and inspiring teacher can make, look no further than St Martins Lutheran College Head of Junior School Wellbeing Robyn Teakle.<\/p>\n

The much loved teacher and colleague has celebrated 30 years of shaping lives at the college, joining the staff as a fresh faced graduate and being at the coalface of the school\u2019s development, which has run side by side with her own career.<\/p>\n

Joining the St Martins family in 1990, Mrs Teakle has been a constant for three decades, save for time off to have her two daughters, evolving from classroom teacher to a variety of leadership roles before securing her current position as Head of Junior School Wellbeing.<\/p>\n

Now the longest serving staff member at St Martins, when she began her tenure there were only 118 students, seven staff members, and there was no senior school.<\/p>\n

Since then, the college has grown to close to 800 students, with countless classroom expansions, new facilities and the creation of \u2018The Ark\u2019 \u2013 a secondary learning area.<\/p>\n

At the end of last month, the tributes flew thick and fast at a College Worship Service, including a video tribute including clips from past and long-standing staff members.<\/p>\n

Mrs Teakle was then presented with a gift and flowers from the college and later celebrated with a morning tea with staff, with the Junior School surprising her with a special scavenger hunt, as well as preparing gifts and songs in celebration of her service to the college community.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver my years as a teacher, I have truly enjoyed the work of a classroom teacher, bringing the curriculum alive and witnessing the growth of young minds,\u201d Mrs Teakle said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the early days, it was so special being part of a small school, where everyone pitched in and helped out with everything from netball coaching, and singing carols from the back of a semi-trailer at Christmas time.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn \u2018my best school day ever\u2019 the College community reminded me how important it is to keep it simple. One of the Year 4 classes sang a song to me about the messages I send to them, \u2018work hard, be kind, have fun\u2019, and I would have to say that is how I have gone about my teaching career.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am thankful for the support I have received from my leaders, colleagues as well as my dear family, and friends.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has been a real highlight and inspiration, being a part of a growing and flourishing school is very special and while the years have added up, I do still feel that I have a great deal to give to this community especially the students and staff.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Deputy Principal Kat Elliott (pictured opp. page presenting Mrs Teakle with flowers), who is a new face in the St Martins Lutheran College community, emphasized the role Mrs Teakle has played over three decades.<\/p>\n

\u201cRobyn brings many things to our college, including love and care for our students, energy and enthusiasm for great teaching and learning, and a great sense of joy and humor,\u201d Ms Elliott said.<\/p>\n