Hello from SUSAN BARCLAY

This year the 6,7,8,9 students from Hawker, Marree and Leigh Creek Area School will be embarking on a new subject called Work Studies. One aim is to expose students to the skills and attributes which are generally valued by the workplace and relate this to their current learning. An example might be the importance of being well organised. This is a behaviour which is useful in one's personal life, as well as in one's working or post – school study life. 

In addition, the course seeks to encourage students to explore possible pathways post- school and to examine the relationship between school learning and building the knowledge, skills and understandings, required to attain these pathways. An example is understanding the importance of achieving competent literacy and numeracy skills. This is essential if one is to have some flexibility regarding future pathways. Many of our students prefer hands on learning and therefore will gravitate to trades, working in primary industries, operating machinery, the transport industry and so on. All of these ventures require high levels of literacy and numeracy, along with strong interpersonal skills and ICT skills.

Another very important aim is to have students develop a sound understanding of how to be well.  It is no use, for example, knowing how to operate a welder, if one does not know how to look after one's physical and psychological well-being. So to be brief, our students will be supported in making important steps along the journey to post- school life.

Throughout the year, parents will be advised of special activities, some off site, designed to enhance our program, to engage our students and to have fun along the way.

Hello from LETISHA MCKENZIE

Nunga Ngai mitchi Letisha and Ngai Yura Mitchi Warrikana. I am the new ACEO @ Hawker Area School. I am an Adnamatna, Luritja, Bardi and Yaruwu woman.

I am a former student of Hawker Area School, I love to read and my favourite subject at school was Mathematics. 

Tristan and I are part of a family of 5, and we live on a station with cows and sheep. I love watching our kids grow with their learning, whether it is reading, writing and experiencing life.  

I have 2 horses and 3 ponies. I love getting the kids out riding on their ponies when I have time and I love to go for rides on my Horse Nikki.  Nikki loves working cows; my first job when I moved away from home was mustering cattle on horseback.

I am really enjoying working with the students at the school. I love the quote “Mistakes are proof that you are really trying”, school and life are all about trying.

I am looking forward to seeing all the kids of Hawker Area School learning and succeeding through trying.

Hello from ESTHER EAGER

Hi I’m Esther Eager, a new SSO at Hawker Area School however I’m not new to Hawker.

I’ve been lucky enough to spend the last 3 years working as a field guide on the beautiful Arkaba Conservancy leading safari drives, short walks and a 3 day hike.

I’m passionate about all things nature including bird watching, hiking and adventure activities.

I have a degree in Adventure Ecotourism and have been lucky enough to work and travel in the United States and Canada as well as running outdoor education programs here in Australia. 

I look forward to working with all the students and sharing my love of learning!

Hello from LISA ONEILL

Hello, I’m Lisa O’Neill, and I am working as an SSO on Mondays and Tuesdays, in the R-2, 3-5 and 6-8 classes, and accompanying the primary choir once again.

I am an Adelaide girl who loves reading, music, ballroom dancing, cross stitch, knitting, sudoku, word puzzles, walking, and dogs. I am a classical pianist, (currently out of practise), and have accompanied the Jamestown Drama Group for 6 musicals, given concerts with friends in Jamestown and performed at the Bundaleer Weekend. I have twice played for the East of the Ranges primary choir, and have accompanied and/or sung in several other community choirs.

I began my life-in the country teaching Maths in Whyalla, where I met Daren, and our journey together has taken us to Cleve, Jamestown (then came Sean and Rebekah), a short teaching stint in Gladstone, several years as a Kindergym leader in Jamestown, then a move to Keith. I have been on P & F committees, helped in the classroom and at lots of school events.

I have played an assortment of sports over the years mostly at a very average level. I attend the Catholic church, I try to get to the gym or swimming pool sometimes, and like exploring with the Hawker Walkers.

I am looking forward to getting to know the students better and helping them with their learning, whilst learning lots of new things myself.

 HELLO from BARBARA WEBB

Hello and welcome to our classroom support. I am one of the new SSO's here at Hawker Area School. I am looking forward to working in this great school of yours. I have been made very welcome and look forward to meeting families as the term goes on. 

I first started living in Hawker in the 1976 with my husbamd Robert. In 1977 I commenced as the Hawker CSC  Director / Teacher. I have 4 children who all attended the Hawker Kindy and School. In 2001 we left Hawker as a family and I commenced as a preschool teacher and then as Director of the Westside Kindy.

In 2004 I resigned from this position due to ill health and went to Adelaide. In time I was able to return to teaching in various kindys as a Preschool Teacher and Acting Director until 2018 when I resigned from teaching. 

I am looking forward to working in education once again in the schooling sector supporting students in their learning. 

I enjoy visiting my children and grandchildren, reading going to the movies, walking and travelling overseas. We are now back in Hawker and I look forward to once again living in the unique Flinders Ranges. 

HELLO from ANI INDRIANI

My name is Vickyani Indriani (Ani) And I am the new SSO at Hawker Area School.

I am originally from Bali Indonesia and migrated to Australia about 19 years ago to find a better life opportunity. My previous education is @ sma negeri 5 Indonesia and my highest education is high school. I love to travel, read and cooking and my favourite subjects in school are Maths and English.

I first arrived 19 years ago to the Goldcoast Qld and was living there for about 8 years, my first job was as a food and beverage attendant.

After 8 years on Goldcoast I decided to travel and see more of Australia and worked as a Barista in a coffee club at Airlie Beach Qld. I decided to move to the beautiful Whitsunday's, and here I met my partner Luke and we have been together for 9 years now.

Luke and I lived and worked in the Whitsunday's for about 4 years and after this we decided to continue travelling, this lead us to Hawker about 5 years ago now and we both loved it and decided to live here. Luke is working @ Arkaba station and I have been studying a diploma of remedial and qualifications in cert 4 massage therapy, since then I have been working as massage therapist for nearly 2 years.

I have 1 dog that I love very dearly and on my spare times I usually take him for a walk and play, and I also love spending times with my friends kids.

Recently I decided to work part time at school and it has been the best experience with opportunities to work with all the students and learning something new everyday.

I am looking forward to be able to work with students and gain new experiences and knowledge. I am grateful for the ability to learn and succeed by trying at my best.