Forward December 2014 | Page 16

SENIOR SCHOOL Staff Profile: Vicki Bellinge Nurse Manager How I came to be at the School I remember seeing a job advertised in The West Australian newspaper for a relief nurse to cover long service for nine weeks, back in 2000. At the time I was working as a part-time midwife and I didn’t think it would be much different to working with teenage boys. The differences very quickly became obvious. During my first week, a Year 10 student (whose name I will always remember) came running in asking me to assist him as he had just eaten an eyeball as part of a dare during a science experiment. From this point on I certainly became aware of the many challenges that teenage boys can present. As a mother of two young men I am now an old hand at understanding the joys of teenagers! ANZAC Day Four years ago the School allowed me the opportunity to work as a volunteer for the 2010 Gallipoli Service in Turkey. Since then I have become very passionate about ensuring the School creates a living memorial to remember those from our community who sacrificed their lives in the name of peace. Every year since 2011 we have held a special ANZAC Commemorative Service, which will culminate in 2015 with our own special Dawn Service on the banks of the Swan River, on 24 April 2015. This is a huge undertaking but one that will be very special for the School community. My family wall. My destination was chosen – 12 days on a cruise out of Hawaii! Since then I have ventured far and wide, trekking in Kathmandu, cycling in Cambodia, exploring South America and so much more. Some of my favorite holidays have been with my mum and dad. I have no doubt they will check the fine print the next time I explain I have booked an overnight train trip in Vietnam; first class isn’t first class as we know it! My sons, Jamie and Brynn, moved into Woodbridge Cottage with me seven years ago when I was offered the position of Nurse Manager. Surrounded by candles and incense at home, they were fortunate enough to complete their education here at Guildford Grammar Schoo [