Introducing ~

The P & F Committee would like to introduce Elaine O'Connor who has taken on the role of Secretary.

Elaine has two children, one at St Mary’s and one future attendee
Ronan (Prep S) 

Conor (Future attendee)

We had some get to know you questions for Elaine and this was what she shared with us.

What keeps you busy (work, stay at home parent etc)?

 I’m currently on leave from work as an Occupational Therapist and currently juggling some study while caring for my 4-month-old Conor. Usually, I would be busy playing with Lego, playdough, boardgames and crawling through tunnels or measuring up for some home modifications/ adaptations with my trusty tape measure. Whilst, on leave, I’m keeping my skills up to date playing Beyblades with Ronan and going to playgroups/ library time with Conor and using my tape measure for some home renos. Like many parents at the weekend Mum’s Uber keeps me busy going to and from footy, little athletics and nippers. 

What are the things you love to do?

I love to travel; I love the excitement of being on an adventure. Since coming to Australia, I’ve really enjoyed exploring the vast Australian landscape including the many wine regions on offer. I’ve also had the pleasure of introducing my children to the joys of travel and fortunately they enjoy a good road trip or the thrill of flight too. We are a footy mad house, keeping up to date with Gaelic football and following the AFL and barracking for the Doggies. 

What’s your connection to Altona?

While working in London, we had friends who were from here and when we had the opportunity to move, we couldn’t go past Altona. It has the best of both worlds, close to the city and beside the beach. Back in Ireland I grew up in a small beachside community and I wanted my children to experience what it is like growing up and being part of a community.

Why did you join the P&F?

I grew up with my parents being involved in the local school/ community, as did my husband’s parents and we would join in too. I was keen to be part of my children’s school too. Being new to the area and an expat, I also saw it as a good opportunity to get to know more people. 

What have you enjoyed about being on the P&F?

I love the passion of the parents and the backing of the school when brainstorming and planning events. The focus is always on the students, involving them where possible, instilling a sense of ownership and a buy in with the events. 

Everyone has been welcoming and the banter is always good too. 

Why did you choose St Mary’s as your children’s school?
My husband and I are both from small communities back in Ireland, where the school and church are the heart of the community. 

When we toured the school, instantly we were made to feel part of a community; it was the small things such as all the staff recalling all the children’s and guardian’s names and the focus being on each individual child’s social and well-being. Being from Irish Catholic families and being so far away from home and family, we were keen for our children to have a catholic education that encourages a sense of belonging within their local community.

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage