Long time Kelston Intermediate teacher takes centre stage

LOYAL LONGEVITY:  Pat Carney with her large card celebrating 30 years of teaching in Kelston Intermediate.
Photo: Rani Timoti

By Rani Timoti

Pat Carney loves a bit of drama.

The New Windsor resident has spent 30 years as a teacher at Kelston Intermediate School where she's shared her passion for live theatre with many a budding young thespian.

She's co-ordinated numerous productions and has made many Shakespearian classics understandable for the children acting in them.

The results are always interesting to watch.

"Sometimes the students that appear shy are different when it comes to performing on stage," she says. "They love dressing up, the boys in particular who swap parts and really ham it up."

Miss Carney, who is also the school librarian, has just won a Proud to be Kelston award acknowledging her long service and contribution to teaching.

She says it would be difficult to leave.

"We've always had a great staff and that's why it's so easy to stay a long time here.  There has been some interesting characters both past and present."

Miss Carney enjoys seeing students achieve in school and is always interested to see how they've fared in life when they return to visit.

Her life outside of school is just as busy with family, gardening, reading and travelling.

"I'll retire when I get my pension," the 61-year-old says.

Principal John Widdup says Miss Carney is well-known as an amazing person and teacher.

"Her level of commitment, enthusiasm, humour and relationship with students is outstanding," he says.

Western Leader