Eight of the school’s staff - multiclass support teacher Nicole Stevens, school learning support officers Amanda McLean, Naomii Barrett, Dylan Kearns, Kylie Watts and Tammy Wilson, and teachers Kylie Greatbatch and Kate Lewis - attended the primary school and chose to return there to work.

Mrs Stevens has worked at the school since 1996, Mrs Barrett completed her schooling there in 1993 and returned about a month ago, Miss McLean finished in 1999 and has been working at the school for about a year while Mr Kearns finished in 2000, but returned in 2011.

Mrs Stevens attended the school from kindergarten to year 6 when she was a school captain, returned to do her university prac at the school and started work there as soon as she finished university.

“When I look back over my time in education, my time at Glenroi Heights was my best time, my teachers inspired me and I wanted to do the same here,” she said.

“I love the school and I love the community, and I wanted to teach here over anything else. I’ll be here until I retire.

“Glenroi has a special place in my heart and it’s so rewarding to teach these kids.”

Miss McLean, who has also worked at the Anson Street School and the Canobolas Rural Technology High School, said she found it rewarding to help children in need and see them succeed.

Each of the staff said the biggest changes in teaching were with technology and the introduction of mediums such as smartboards, tablets and learning apps, but many other aspects of teaching had  remained the same. 

Mrs Barrett said her return to the school was like reliving parts of her childhood, as some of the teachers from her school days still worked there.

“I like helping people and it was just a great feeling to come back here,” she said.

Mr Kearns said principal Jane Cameron was his kindergarten teacher and growing up, and continuing to live, in Glenroi had given him an affinity with the students.

tanya.marchke@fairfaxmedia.com.au