Kathy is Gippsland’s Best Art Teacher
St Joseph’s Catholic School’s Kathy Grass is an experienced primary school educator with 47 years’ teaching experience.
She has taught in both government and Catholic school settings across Victoria.
Her teaching experience includes positions at Glenthompson Primary School, Cobram Consolidated School, Coomoora Primary School, Warragul Primary School, Nilma Primary School, St Kieran’s Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School.
Throughout her career, she has taught a range of specialist subjects including Art, Library, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Science, Sustainability and Digital Technologies.
In addition to specialist teaching roles, Kathy has also worked as a classroom teacher in Years 4, 5 and 6.
Kathy is an inspirational teacher who specialises in teaching art.
A talented and proven artist herself, she is passionate about sharing her skills and helping students develop their own creativity.
Students at our school deeply appreciate her engaging and imaginative art lessons, and they know that Ms Grass consistently delivers high-quality, inspiring learning experiences.
Passionate about engaging students through creative, hands-on learning experiences, Kathy is committed to helping every child develop confidence, curiosity, a love of learning, and the ability to discover their own passion in life.
Adding to the warmth of her classroom environment, Kathy often brings in her beloved griffon dog, Oakley, who serves as our school’s therapy dog and is adored by students.
Celebrating Fiona McLaurin – Our Longest Serving Staff Member
Fiona McLaurin began her journey at Trafalgar High School as a physical education (PE) teacher In March 1982, originally joining the school to co-teach with Mary Prince.
What was meant to be a one-year role has become an incredible 40+ year connection to the Trafalgar High School community.
Over the years, Fiona has taught PE, geography, VCE PE, health and human development, and junior health, while also taking on many leadership roles including school sport coordinator, regional sport coordinator, level coordinator, student wellbeing, and disability and inclusion roles.
Reflecting on the early days, Fiona remembers a smaller school community, with around 300 students, fewer classes, two staffrooms, longer lunch breaks and a strong local connection.
While technology, facilities and the size of the school have changed, the beautiful grounds, mountain views and supportive community have remained a constant.
The most rewarding part of Fiona’s career has been working alongside wonderful staff and positive students, while having opportunities to support students and schools beyond Trafalgar High School through regional roles.
Some highlights include seeing students continue passions they discovered at school and coaching successful sporting teams, including the 2025 badminton team receiving the Spirit of Sport Award.
Describing Trafalgar High School as “diverse, inclusive and creative”, Fiona is proud to still enjoy coming to work, continuing to learn and helping students achieve their goals.
Her advice to new staff?
Build strong relationships, especially with office staff, and get involved beyond the classroom through sport, excursions, camps and activities to truly connect with students and the wider school community.
