From Alum to Staff
A few of our extraordinary alum who have returned to the College as staff.
Many graduates leave high school without foreseeing a return, but for more than 70 of our current staff, their journeys have led them back as dedicated staff members, underscoring our deep appreciation for alumni connections and their choice to support the next generation of Penrhosians.
We’ve reached out to some of our most recent staff alum who bring a wealth of experiences since leaving Penrhos, including international teaching adventures and diverse professional paths.
Now back at Penrhos, they offer reflections on the changes they’ve observed and how their experiences have shaped their perspective. From rediscovering the College’s enduring spirit to envisioning its future, they share their insights on the profound impact of returning to a place that holds such cherished memories and values.
My journey since leaving Penrhos as a boarder has taken me around the world and Australia. I’ve lived and worked in the UK and Canada for about 10 years after finishing my first degree in Commerce.
After returning, I studied nutrition and naturopathy whilst working at St Mary’s in the boarding house and then moved to Darwin and Melbourne with a stint in Perth only to return to Perth at seven months’ pregnant during Covid. I’ve been back at Penrhos working as a food technician and now studying to be a food technology teacher.
My bedroom with a curtain no longer exists and the girls have the most amazing boarding facilities. The food tech rooms and building are state-of-the-art. Although, it’s nice to see Margaret Way courtyard hasn’t changed.
I remember the fantastic teachers, the boarding food and being able to get up just before the morning bell but most of all I still have my best friends from boarding school. And now my little girl is lucky enough to join the Penrhos journey.
PRISCILLA NIMMO
Digital Design and Technologies (Food) Technician (Class of 1997)
Returning to Penrhos, now as a teacher, has been such a rewarding opportunity. Being able to work alongside the teachers I had reminds me of the importance of community and belonging, as I always look back on my experience at Penrhos with fondness. Now, I love seeing the faces of my students and families when I mention that I also was a Penrhosian!
Being in the classroom has been wonderful to see how the girls work collaboratively and develop confidence to be inquisitive. During my time at school, I was always encouraged to ask more questions. So, I love seeing the girls now build on their ability to have the courage to question and take risks.
Now that I have my own daughter, Ottilie, I would love to see her also have the opportunities my students and I share; to discover and find the joy in learning. The notion of being courageous has a profound impact on me and in an ever-changing world, I can’t wait for Ottilie to incorporate this belief in the future.
AMELIA THORN
Junior School Teacher (Class of 2012)
Coming back to Penrhos has been a wonderful reminder of how lucky I was to come here in the first place. Since both my sisters came here too, and the three of us have all kept in contact with our Penrhos friends, it was a gradual realisation that what we experienced here, and the opportunities we had, weren’t mainstream.
In my 20 years since Penrhos, uni life, travel, work and having kids has expanded my network and helped me to recognise my privilege… but there was no greater reminder than coming back recently. I am so grateful to my parents that I went to Penrhos and now the dream to send my own daughter is stronger than ever. I already thought it was great here – I loved my time as a Penrhos student – but being back has shown me that it’s only getting better and better. The girls here are so lucky – as am I.
EMILY MILLER
Marketing Officer (Class of 2004)
Since leaving Penrhos, I have been fortunate to travel the world as an International Baccalaureate teacher. I have taught in Perth, Melbourne, London, Istanbul and most recently, a picturesque city called Zug in Switzerland. There I taught children from around the globe, surrounded by cows grazing on sprawling pastures and sparkling streams running through majestic forests. My life really has felt like the most wonderful adventure!
Making the decision to return to Perth was a tricky one – but one that my family and I are happy to have taken! Now, I get to take my children on adventures down more familiar pathways. Being back at Penrhos is simply wonderful!
The spirit of our school has not changed; the energy of the girls, the warmth of the staff and the beautiful benediction song at the end of Chapel. I hope one day that my daughter will come to Penrhos too and create special memories of her own.
SKYE ANTHONISZ
Junior School Teacher (Class of 1995)
It is a pleasure to teach at Penrhos and to reflect upon the fact that after so many years of teaching, I have returned to the place where my journey to becoming a teacher began.
It was Penrhos who ignited my passion and love for Languages and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities this has given me throughout my life. It is truly rewarding to share my deep connection to Penrhos with my students, who mostly find it quite amusing to find out I went to school here.
JANE WALKER
Teacher of Languages (Class of 1987)
