Introducing Our New Staff for 2021

Introducing Our New Staff for 2021

PLHS is delighted to introduce five new staff members to our school for 2021 – welcome to (pictured L-R) Mr Stefan van Giesen, Ms Betty Bai, Miss Courtney Richter, Mr Aaron Zhao and Mrs Thirza Hayward. They have each kindly answered the brief profile questions below to introduce themselves to the community.

My name is… Mr Stefan van Giesen.

My role at PLHS in 2021 is… to teach Maths and English, and to work in Room 22.

Last year, I was… a Year 6/7 teacher at Stirling North Primary School.

When I’m not at school, I like to… play sport, go fishing and camping, and spend time with friends and family.

I am a big fan of… the NBA, the Brisbane Lions and music.

My name is… Ms Betty Bai.

My role at PLHS in 2021 is… to teach Maths (from Years 8 to 11)

Last year, I was… working as TRT in Adelaide.

When I’m not at school, I like to… hike, swim, go to the gym and cook.

I am a big fan of… playing the computer game DOTA2 and eating delicious food.

My name is… Miss Courtney Richter.

My role at PLHS in 2021 is… to teach Maths and Science. 

Last year, I was… studying teaching at Flinders University.  

When I’m not at school, I like to… cook and play video games. 

I am a big fan of… Netflix and reading.

My name is… Mr Aaron Zhao.

My role at PLHS in 2021 is… to teach Middle School Maths and SACE Business Innovation.

Last year, I was… studying my Master Degree in Middle and Secondary Teaching at the University of Adelaide, and working as a support teacher at St. George College.

When I am not at school, I like to… go to the gym and new places with friends.

I am a big fan of… music, travel and outdoor activities.

My name is… Mrs Thirza Hayward.

My role at PLHS in 2021 is… to teach Food & Hospitality and PLP.

Last year, I was… a relief teacher across a few primary and secondary schools in Adelaide.

When I’m not at school, I like to… travel, watch cooking shows and yoga.

I am a big fan of… movies, walking and cooking.

We also welcome back several familiar faces, including Mrs Casie Richardson (to lead the Special Education faculty), Mr Greg Richardson (teaching HPE, HASS and Special Education), former Principal Mr Greg Barry (teaching maths and Marine Operations), Ms Michelle Hankins (teaching at our Transition & Learning Centre) and Mr Tony DuBois (teaching Technology).

We thank all of these people for joining (and re-joining) us for 2021, and look forward to their positive contributions throughout the year.