So many positive influences, so sisters pick four

Katie Walker Adam Forsyth Melissa Cuthbertson Courtney Blyth

— St Michael’s Collegiate

SISTERS Claudia and Scarlett Johnston have had such a positive schooling experience that they felt compelled to nominate several of their teachers in the Mercury’s Top Teachers campaign. The St Michael’s Collegiate students said they were lucky to have had some “exceptional” teachers during this unprecedented time, and wanted to nominate them as a way to say thanks.

Claudia, 16, is a Grade 10 student, while Scarlett, 13, is in Grade 8. They are two of many St Michael’s Collegiate students who have nominated teachers.

The sisters nominated Mrs Katie Walker for “making our online classes enjoyable” and “being a really good teacher”; Dr Adam Forsyth for being a great maths and science teacher and “for being the best principal we could ask for … he has been exceptional’’; and Mrs Melissa Cuthbertson and Miss Courtney Blyth for “checking in regularly to make sure we are okay’’.

“Without these teachers and all our amazing other teachers we would have had a really tough time during isolation,’’ the girls said.

Principal Dr Adam Forsyth said teaching was always a busy job, but it had been “exceptionally busy” in recent weeks. He said it was terrific that students had appreciated the extra efforts of teachers, who had worked hard throughout the school holidays to ensure a seamless transition to online learning.

“We’re really chuffed that the students feel that they want to put those teachers’ names forward,’’ he said. “It’s just wonderful.’’ He said it was great to see hardworking teachers across the state being recognised.

“It’s not just our school. All teachers, everywhere have done an amazing job,’’ Dr Forsyth said.