This term we welcome to our staff team Mr Andrew Robertson as our new Head of HPE and Sport in the Primary School.
Andrew joins Flinders after leading the HPE departments at top schools around the country. We are thrilled to have him on board, and for our students and families to benefit from his passion and commitment to his role. We share this Q&A profile to introduce Andrew to our community.
How are you keen to contribute to our Flinders community?
With 20+ years of teaching kids to learn in, through and about movement, I continually strive to provide quality, fun and relevant opportunities to every student. I want students at Flinders Primary School to love physical activity and strive to be the best they can be.
What are you looking forward to about your new role?
I am looking forward to becoming a positive contributor to the Flinders community and guiding the students in wonderful learning experiences. There may be some introduction of some new initiatives for students – we are discussing opportunities such as wheels days, triathlons, more House competitions, mountain biking…with the purpose to engage our students in what they love to do!
Please tell us about your family and hobbies.
I am married to Rachel who is an Olympian and Process Engineer. We have one son and two daughters. I am New Zealand-born and -raised (Christchurch + North Canterbury), and graduated at Canterbury University. We moved to Western Australia in 2005 and moved to Queensland in 2015. I am a former New Zealand hockey representative, three-times ironman triathlon, off-road endurance athlete (multisport with challenges including racing the length of New Zealand in 2001, and many times the Coast to Coast race). I also race in ultramarathons and enjoy mountain biking. I have coached many age group sports and also at the national league level for hockey in New Zealand.
Please share your career journey to date.
I worked as a teacher in Health and Physical Education in New Zealand for many years. I began my career in Australia as the Head of Junior School Sport and Health and Physical Education at Hale School in Western Australia from 2005 to 2014. Recently I have worked at The Southport School and at Ashmore State Primary School in Head of Sport roles. I enjoy working in some of the best organisations with the best people. I appreciate that I am continually challenged and learning every day.
What are you looking forward to about living on the Sunshine Coast?
Everyone from the Gold Coast says that they love the Sunshine Coast. So far, I like what I see - especially those hills!
What hobbies will you explore on the Sunshine Coast?
I intend to get involved in the outdoor environment and all that it offers. I think I will find an endurance event (or more) to challenge my body and mind to prove to myself that I “have still got it” (but "got what" I don’t necessarily know!)
What do you enjoy about working in a school community?
The energy I get from the students.
The colleagues (who often become friends) I get to work alongside every day.
The knowledge that I am contributing positively to so many young people.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
#1 – “Do what you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
#2 – “Thank you Mr Robertson for everything you have done for me. Keep being the best.”
Who gave you the advice and how has it helped you to grow as a person?
#1 – My step father
# 2 – A former student battling terminal cancer – it has helped me to reflect every day on how lucky I am to do what I love in an amazing country.
Andrew, thank you for sharing your story with us!
