I am pleased to welcome four new staff members who will start in very key roles at Scots over the next month.

Firstly, welcome to Caroline Pooley, who will join us as Head of Business Operations from September 6 from her position as Head of Finance and General Manager at Simply Energy in Melbourne. 

Caroline was a member of the Scots Class of 2001 but hasn’t lived in the region since she left school and is excited to be moving back to be closer to her extended family. 

Caroline and her husband Brendan wanted a country upbringing for their two children, George and Eloise, so they are eager to put down roots in the area. Initially, they will rent but are looking to purchase their own slice of paradise to build their dream home.

Caroline worked for KPMG before a four-year stint in London as an independent global investment manager. On her return, she joined Simply Energy and worked her way up from Finance Manager to her current leadership role.

Caroline will oversee all financial aspects at Scots, manage our construction projects and provide strategic financial advice to the Principal and Board as part of our School Executive.

Petra Barber

In the key role of Community Relations Manager, Petra Barber will join us on September 27, from Sydney.

Petra has held key roles with McDonald’s Australia and New Zealand, including Director of Innovation and Menu and as a member of the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa innovation team. 

She will come to Albury with her husband Keiran and three children - Charlie, Georgie and Rosie - which will be somewhat of a homecoming after growing up in Culcairn. While this is her first job back in the region, her father was a teacher at Albury Grammar and both her parents now live in Albury. 

Petra took time out of the corporate world to raise her children, but has been an active volunteer in enrolments and promotion at her children’s Sydney school. She’s looking forward to establishing a strong network with parents at Scots and the opportunity to help drive the enrolments and prosperity of the school her children will attend is icing on the cake.

Petra will play a strategic marketing role, providing advice to the School Executive and Board. 

Trish Thomas

I’m looking forward to welcoming Trish Thomas into the Scots community as our new Leader of Inclusive Education (Learning Enhancement). Trish starts on Monday 16th. 

Trish is a passionate educator, striving to meet the needs of all learners and is an advocate for students with learning needs and special abilities. She has a lifetime of experience in enhancing student learning outcomes through classroom support, testing and screening, writing individual learning plans, running small group intervention programs and supporting teachers to differentiate the curriculum. I’m excited about the new dynamic Trish will bring to the field of inclusive learning and am confident Trish will be a wonderful addition to our staff.

Jessica O'Keefe

And finally, Jessica O’Keefe will join us as a part-time nurse on Mondays, while Diane is on maternity leave.

Mark Geraets
Principal