Three of them are spending the second week of their new job on camp with the Year 7 students this week, but the others made themselves available to the Southern Riverina News so we could learn a little more about them.
Three of those four already have existing connections to the local community.
Jessica Knight is currently teaching Year 7-12 English and spent her early years growing up in Sydney.
“ I previously taught English and history in Sydney, and I also taught English for two years in London,” she said.
When choosing a new school to teach at Ms Knight said, “the Riverina region is a beautiful part of the state, and I am looking forward to exploring the area more.”
“The school community has been so incredibly welcoming and friendly.”
Originally from Coleambally, Amy Sharp has been living in Berrigan for the last seven years.
Mrs Sharp will be teaching Years 7-10 science and agriculture, which she previously taught at Cobram Secondary College in addition to PE and food tech.
It is almost a homecoming for Mrs Sharp, who completed some of her university practical days at Finley High.
“I left and remembered how much I loved it here, and decided to come back,” she said.
“I am looking forward to working with students to help them be the best they can be and getting back on board with the school show team.
“I have a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm and bring a broad knowledge of my subject areas and the local area.
“I love this area and think that the community is really lucky to have a school this great and with so many opportunities to learn and grow.”
Anna Gorman is another locally grown teacher. From Berrigan, she will teach mathematics to students from Years 9-11.
She was previously a Year 7-12 maths teacher at Sacred Heart College in Yarrawonga.
Miss Gorman said she chose Finley to “get closer to home and I was keen to get into the New South Wales system”.
“I’m looking forward to working with new colleagues and students,” she said.
“I bring many years of experience in teaching mathematics.
“I have also held positions of leadership in my previous schools, and look forward to furthering my skills in that area as head teacher of mathematics.
“The first week has been great; the school has a very positive and friendly vibe.”
Former Finley High School student Sarah Taylor returns to the school in 2023 teaching art and technical subjects for Year 7 and 8 students, cooking for Year 9 and English for Year 8.
Her previous experience was at Southport State High School on the Gold Coast, where she also taught art, English, cooking and media.
“I went to Finley High School and grew up being involved in the community,” she siad.
“I value the education and support I received here and would like to return the favour.
“I wanted to be involved in the community again and I am looking forward to building a rapport with the students so I can have a positive influence in their view of education.
“I want to develop as a teacher and learn how to make education more meaning and applicable to their life.”
Miss Taylor has a clear love for her community and school which is clear as she was so eager to return.
“The staff have always had such a great attitude toward educating and the wellbeing of the students,” she said.
“I feel there has been a step up in advancing the facilities and practice of teaching and learning within the school.
“The community and school have a great relationship and value what each other can offer.
“I appreciate how much they both are involved in the development of each other and I hope this relationship continues to increase as students become more involved in implementing their learning and into the broader communities.”
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