Two of our Year 5 students posed some hard-hitting questions to our new Head of Junior School, Mrs Geraldine Drabble, who is set to commence her role at the start of 2023. However, she is so keen to join PLC that she has been visiting the campus on many occasions and Sophia and Olivia took the opportunity to find out more about our inspiring new leader.
Are you excited to be coming to PLC?
I am feeling super excited to be coming to PLC because I have heard so many positive things about the school. Whenever I visit, everyone’s so friendly and welcoming. I can hardly wait to make PLC my new school and become part of this wonderful community!
Over the last two weeks I have been coming along to some end-of-year events like the Year 6 Final Assembly, Pre-Primary nativity, Christmas Carols, and strategic planning meetings. It’s really nice getting to meet the girls and teachers in the classrooms and I’m looking forward to meeting more parents soon.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am a very outdoors sort of person. In summer I do a lot of sailing, swimming, and snorkelling. I love going to Rottnest with my family on our boat. When the weather is cooler I enjoy hiking and visiting our farm in York. I love the different seasons we have in WA.
I also enjoy listening to music and going to concerts, ballet, or watching theatre performances.
Tell us something about your family?
Mr Drabble is in education and he works in a large school north of Perth. I have two daughters – Annabel is studying to be an Occupational Therapist, and Georgia, has graduated as a physiotherapist.
We are a busy family but love having time together on the weekends, especially meal times.
Are you a cat or a dog person?
Definitely a dog person – I grew up on a farm and we always had working dogs. My favourite breed is Border Collie dogs. We have Ollie and he is a very special member of our family – we walk him at least twice a day because he is so active. Our family chat is full of pictures and videos of what Ollie has been doing.
What are your thoughts on homework?
I believe homework needs to have a really clear purpose. I think some homework helps consolidate learning and can even provide routine in readiness for Senior School. However, I do think it is very important to get any homework done within a set time frame – short, sharp, and finished! At the end of a busy day, it’s good to relax and develop your interests and passions – whether they be music, drama, dance, sport or art. Most of all, kids need to spend time outside playing after school – it’s part of your childhood.
Where did you work before coming to PLC?
I have worked in many rural and metropolitan schools during my career. I enjoyed being the Principal at Lake King in the Esperance district. My family really loved living in the country.
Then I moved back to Perth and worked as the Deputy Head of the Junior School at St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School – I am a very big believer in girls’ education. I had a great time working at St Mary’s for 12 years and now I am looking forward to meeting new students and their parents and working alongside the amazing teachers here at PLC.
What is important to you about education in the future?
Student wellbeing and happiness is extremely important to me. If students feel happy and motivated in a safe, caring environment then they are going to enjoy their learning and experience success. Students also need to develop their communication and collaboration skills. Looking at world issues and developing creative problem solvers and critical thinkers who can work closely with other people is what our future world needs.
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