“YOU taught my mother!” If Helen Staines had a dollar for every time she has heard that, she would have a handsome bonus to see her into retirement.
The 40-year veteran of Queensland teaching is closing her biology books for good.
Her retirement at the end of the school year brings to a close a 32-year association at Mt St Michael’s College, Ashgrove.
At MSM, Mrs Staines has taught home economics and the sciences, including chemistry and biology in the senior school. She has also held leadership roles including head of department, year co-ordinator, deputy principal and acting principal.
Mrs Staines has seen the school nearly double in size to its current capped student population of 750.
She has been part of changes to teaching and assessment styles, relishing the shift from knowledge-based to enquiry-based learning.
But one thing has not changed over the years: teenage girls’ need for affirmative support.
A college spokesperson said Mrs Staines has been the doting “aunt” to hundreds of young women in her charge at MSM: friendly but firm, listened to, respected and respectful.
“I would hope that in some small way I have made a difference, particularly for those who found themselves in not-so-ideal situations that couldn’t be changed, but could overcome the impact by changing their attitude,” Mrs Staines said.
Asked of regrets or yearnings, Mrs Staines said: “The spirit of Mary Aikenhead, the founder of the Sisters of Charity, really is alive and well here. It’s tangible and I will miss that.
“I have just one regret. I won’t get to teach in the new science centre under construction now. It will be a fabulous learning and teaching environment.”
