Enjoying time to travel and be a tourist when we want!

Now into our third year of running accommodation at Noonameena - search either The Cottage at Noonameena or The Studio at Noonameena and follow the links.Sold our property in November 2020 after family ownership since 1947!

Small touring business, specialising in small group guided tours to our local National Parks, wineries, (world famous) distillery and brewery. We also offer transfers on and off the Mountain, to local restaurants, train stations and airports.

With many years experience in enhancing supportive environments in a variety of challenging situations I offer support to schools to ensure their processes align with reality and provide meaningful processes for reducing harm and harassment issues in schools.

• Responsible for all Curriculum operations (PNG, IGCSE, ACT, IB) including implementation, development, examination and reporting• Management and review of professional management and goal setting targets in line with School Strategic Plan priorities• Band One teacher appraisals• Study skills, Habits of Mind, goal setting, Growth mindset, Leadership development skills and Relationships Education: Grades 11 & 12• Overseeing Academic Probation, Grade 11 studentsMentor to the Deputy Principal - Student Welfare, Grade Coordinators and Pastoral Care teachersHighlights• Introduction of SP2R common classroom management program • Introduction of Reflection process - reduction of office referrals• Introduction of "This Is Me" pastoral care information seeker form• Initiation of base-line testing in Numeracy and Literacy to inform class placement in Grade 7• Collaborated with Principal in renewal of Grade Coordinator/Roll Call teacher roles• Collaborated with Principal in renewal of Student Representative Council (SRC)• Assisted in helping SRC raise nearly K100,000 through various fund-raising since 2014.• Initiated Professional Learning Communities including current groups focussed on Formative Assessment, Differentiation, and Literacy across the curriculum; previous groups in 2013/14 included the Quality Teaching Framework, 4MAT lesson design, Blooms/Williams taxonomy, English Language Across the Curriculum, and Information Technology• Promotion of cross-curricula groupings to encourage topic rationalisation and reduce assessment load• Promotion of Subject Specific Terminology form for each topic/unit

When I took up this position in April 2008 I entered a potentially hostile work place environment due to the instability with staffing and the passing over of some long term staff members. From the start I set about building relationships and getting on with the job. In a short time, due to my professionalism and personality, I became an accepted, respected and valued member of staff. I worked closely with the Head of Department (Technology) to improve the processes and align Responsible Thinking Process with our School’s Positive Behaviour Plan. This involved extensive liaison with all sectors of our school community, conducting professional development with staff and making changes to our processes. Due to my efforts there were a decreasing number of referrals for student behaviour (48% reduction in eight months) and well defined processes accepted by staff, students and the general community.I also acted in the position of Principal for six weeks (September 2008)HIGHLIGHTS:• awarded the Education Queensland 25 year Exemplary Service medal• played a key role in increasing effectiveness of the Responsible Thinking Classroom (RTC)o reduced behavioural referrals by 48% in 12 months• promoted the increased use of effective pedagogies • Chair, 2008 Supportive School Environment TSR (Tri-annual School Review)• Chair, Student Inter-agency Support Services, and Student Welfare Team• initiated Sarina Cluster Transition program (Primary/High schools interface)• oversaw the mapping of the “Essentials” in Key Learning Areas• streamlined Computer and Internet Usage Agreement, logging procedures and the range of sanctions• Supervisor, NAPLAN testing (Year 9) program• initiated Harm and Harassment policy conversations throughout the school community• initiated first stages of the SWPBS (PB4L) process• initiated School Induction program for First Year High Schoolers• assisted with introduction of Queensland Health Grade 12 initiative "I'm outta here"

Appointed to oversee the revitalising of the Responsible Thinking Classroom I was a prime mover in the IDEAS team that led to the renewal of the school. Through a multitude of methods we reduced the Office referrals by over 54% in four years. I was a key member in the introduction and running of the mental health initiative MindMatters and MindMatters Plus, training in a number of support programs. I was also instrumental in renewing the inter-year program POINT. My work with the Welfare team to produce the Harm and Harassment policy reduced the bullying throughout the school. The policy was described as one of the best that Logan Learners for Life (mediation group) had seen. Our multi-faceted approach to an holistic pastoral care program saw the school present at numerous conferences and in-service groups highlighting the extent to which we had embedded the programs within the school. Comment from a parent participant in a ParentMatters program "If I wanted my kids to go to school I would send the to XX High School. I want them to have an education so I send them here."

As part of Education Queenslands' Alternative Education Program I supported six schools across two districts in turn with six months of professional support to enhance their teaching programs, pedagogical practices of the teaching staff, connectedness of students to the school and their parents. In particular I supported those students who were repeatedly referred for behavioural reasons to the administrative staff. As part of the program a key staff member was identified who received particular training to continue the support of staff and students after the six months in-school support program. Parent support groups were also established at each school and included links with key personnel working in support networks (eg Police, Youth Advocacy, Social Welfare, School Nurses, District Guidance, Community Elders).Nine students were identified to participate in each nine day wilderness program, and received particular support from the key staff member. The nine day wilderness required the students to carry all of their equipment for the nine days through the Sundown National Park near Stanthorpe, Queensland. Pro-social skills, self-esteem, conflict resolution issues and returning to school were dealt with as the journey progressed through a process of non-direct intervention. (see article by Ray Handley who ran similar programs in NSW).

• Outdoor Education and Activities Instructor including:o Sailing, including sailing camps for sailing instructorso Kayaking, including expeditions and white-water kayakingo Canoeing, including expeditions and white-water canoeingo Abseiling and Climbingo Bushwalking, including expeditionso Orienteeringo Environmental studies, including specialist study campso Low Ropes and High Ropes confidence courseso Challenge and group activitieso Bush Danceo First Aid including Bush First Aid• Teacher-In-Charge: Sailing, bushwalking, climbing• First Aid Instructor• Development of Department Of Education Manual (DOEM) guidelines on Bushwalking and Camping• Renewal of the MOEC Reference Library, including slide shows• Introduction of a Minimal Impact code, including use of methylated spirit stoves, a “carry it in – carry it” out philosophy, and reduction in camp-fire reliance• Mapping and logging of all the significant Walks Of Maroon, a resource for teachers of MOEC including significant points of interest, accurate grid references and route cards• Development of an Emergency Response program following the retrieval of a student from inaccessible terrain after suffering an anaphylactic reaction to vegetation poison• Support teacher for various schools specialist camps including Kedron State High School Grade 11 Leadership program