Introducing Our New Teachers for 2023

Port Lincoln High School has welcomed twelve new teachers to the main site staff for our centenary year. Pictured here are…

BACK ROW (L-R): Mr. Jack Opolski, Mr. Akira Inger, Mrs. Nat van Riet, Miss Marlee Hounsell & Mr. Sam Lewis. FRONT ROW (L-R): Ms. Anissa Hofen, Ms. Stacey Baker, Miss Abbey Degner, Miss Grace Nicolson, Ms. Kate Simons, Mr. Sam Kewen & Ms. Jemima McLachlan.

We asked all twelve to complete a brief profile in order to introduce themselves to our school community – we thank them all for sharing their details below (listed in photo caption order).

BACK ROW (L-R):

* My name is Mr. Jack Opolski and I have recently moved to Port Lincoln from Adelaide. For the past few years, I’ve taught Year 6 at Grange Primary School. In 2023, I’ll be teaching Maths and Science. When I’m not working, I love diving, camping and spoiling my red heeler, Patch.

* My name is インガ .アキラ, also known as Inger Sensei (Mr. Akira Inger). My role at PLHS this year is to teach Middle School Japanese and Music. Last year I was travelling in Israel, participating in experimental medical trials, and was striving to find the secret recipe for the perfect cup of hot chocolate. When I’m not at school, I like to learn Russian, go out on bird photography trips, rollerblade, and write amateur almanacs about flowers.

* My name is Mrs. Natalie van Riet. My role at PLHS in 2023 is teaching Mathematics. Last year, I was a Local Relief Teacher around Port Lincoln and surrounding schools which included PLHS. When I’m not at school, I enjoy kickboxing, boxing, sailing and cooking.

* My name is Miss Marlee Hounsell. My role at PLHS in 2023 is to teach English and HASS. Last year, I was working at Orroroo Area School. When I’m not at school, I like to go on driving adventures, swim and listen to music.

* My name is Mr. Sam Lewis. My role at PLHS in 2023 is to teach English and HASS. Last year, I was on long service leave and travelling around Australia in a caravan. Prior to that I taught at Whyalla High School. When I’m not at school, I like to go camping with my family, fishing in my boat and playing cricket (Go, Southern Eyre South!).

FRONT ROW (L-R):

* My name is Ms. Anissa Hofen. My role at PLHS in 2023 is to teach EAL/D and HASS. Last year, I was finishing my studies in Adelaide whilst working as an SSO. When I’m not at school, I like to cook and bake, and get outside!

* My name is Miss Stacey Baker. My role at PLHS in 2023 is to teach Year 7 English, Maths and Science. Last year, I was working at Emmanuel College in Warrnambool in Victoria, teaching English and Psychology. When I’m not at school, I like to run, play netball and read.

* My name is Miss Abbey Degner. For 2023, I will be joining the team as a Middle School Health & Physical Education and English teacher. Last year I was working as a Special Education/Inclusion officer at Cummins Area School, and studying a Master of Teaching online; in Term 4, I completed my placement at PLHS. When I am not at school, I like to spend time outside with my puppy Franky, paint and play netball.

* My name is Miss Grace Nicolson. My role at PLHS this year is to teach Science and English. Last year, I was finishing off my degree at Flinders University and completing my final teaching practical at PLHS. When I’m not at school, I like to be doing absolutely anything that involves the beach. You’ll either find me moving my body in some way or in a horizontal position watching a movie; there’s no in between.

* My name is Ms. Kate Simons. My role at PLHS in 2023 is to teach English and HASS. Last year, I was working in a Queensland school. When I’m not at school, I like to play sports, paint and go on adventures.

* My name is Mr. Sam Kewen. My role at PLHS in 2023 is to teach Science and Maths. Last year, I was working at Murray Bridge High School. When I’m not at school, I like to watch basketball, go for runs and watch the latest Netflix series.

* My name is Ms. Jemima McLachlan. My role at PLHS in 2023 is to teach Design & Technology (Wood, Metal, CAD/CAM and Digital Technology). Last year, I was working at Cowell Area School. When I’m not at school, I like to go for walks, ride my bike and hang out with friends and family.

Please join us in welcoming these new educators to our school and wider community.

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