QUIRINDI teachers have a strong history of going above-and-beyond for their students.
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This is also the case for Quirindi High School (QHS) teacher librarian, Mrs Owen, who commenced her 30th year of teaching.
Not only is this an outstanding milestone, but this year marks the start of the entire Owen family attending the same school, with Mr Owen Teaching in the HISE Department and Molly (Year 10), Lily (Year 9)and Ruby (Year 7) all attending the school.
Mrs Owen caught up with Jack Goodwin on his first day of High School in Year 7.
Having taught both Jacks' mother, Tracy and father, Davin when a young teacher, Mrs Owen said she was delighted to welcome Jack to QHS.
"After completing my degree at the University of New England, I began my teaching career at Walgett High School in 1991," she said.
"I was Jack's parents, Tracey and Davin, English teacher and Year Adviser, during my time there. It's great to be a part of families journeys through their high school education."
With a swathe of teaching under her belt including English, History, HISE Teacher, Casual Teacher, Head Teacher, Relieving Disadvantaged Schools Program Consultant and Teacher Librarian, Mrs Owen has taught at a number of high schools.
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She taught at Walgett, Oxley, Wee Waa, Corallie, Moree District Office and Narrabri, before attending QHS in numerous roles since 2010 including her current role as QHS Teacher Librarian and English Teacher.
"Being involved in a number of different schools, has offered me an opportunity to see a variety of ways schools operate and the chance to work with a diverse range of staff," she said.
"Working in smaller high schools earlier on also gave me the chance to assist in many and varied roles."
Mrs Owen added that the greatest part of her work was the students own success.
"Seeing students succeed is fabulous. Watching them develop their own course in life and choose their own path for the future, whether it be an apprenticeship, TAFE, University or other is rewarding," she said.
When asked for some tips and hints for parents, Mrs Owen added:
*Log into the QHS Parent Portal timetable on Sentral and check the daily notices relevant to your students year group - stay updated and informed about your student.
*Join the QHS P&C - it's a fulfilled and proactive committee and a great way of being involved in your students schooling life.
-There is a meet and greet with the QHS P&C being held at the Quirindi Bowling Club on February 23rd from 5.00pm to 6.00pm-
*If you have any questions regarding your student, contact the school and they will put you in touch with the relevant person.
*Be proactive in your child's high school adventure.
On his first day at QHS, Jack Goodwin enjoyed chatting with Mrs Owen and said that heading into the next level of his schooling, while daunting at first was proving positive so far.
"I feel independent and more grown up. The maths is harder which I like because I like the challenge," he said.
Jack said he was looking forward to joining some of the school clubs and the possibility of joining the school band and sporting teams.
"I'm still learning my way around the school and it's been terrific that my friends from Primary School are also at High School with me. I'm also looking forward to making new friends," he said.