Meghan Carroll – Deputy Head of Primary

Carrie Thomas – Acting Deputy Head of Primary 2022

We are very fortunate to have Carrie Thomas stepping into the role of Acting Deputy Head of Primary in 2022, whilst I am on maternity leave (starting Monday 8 November 2021). Carrie is an incredibly competent and experienced teacher. She joined our staff team in 2017 and has taught Kindergarten and Year 2. Carrie has recently earned the role of K-2 Coordinator and Innovation Leader.

She is a passionate life-long learner who has completed her Masters in Education (Learning and Leadership) and her Graduate Certificate of Gifted Education.

Before teaching at Emanuel, Carrie taught at Claremont College, Randwick. In this role, she worked in a co-teaching model, providing high-quality learning opportunities to encourage students to strive to be critical and creative thinkers, develop growth mindsets, work collaboratively with others and make a positive difference in the world. Prior to this, Carrie worked at Yew Chung International School, China as a Specialist teacher in ICT and Gifted and Talented Education. In this position, Carrie directed the development of programs, implementation and professional development of enrichment programs from K-6.

Before relocating to China, Carrie worked at Independent schools in the UK, including Malvern College Preparatory School and The Downs School, Bristol. During these opportunities, she developed her knowledge of student pastoral care and wellbeing programs, particularly when working as part of the boarding house team at Malvern College Preparatory School. 

Carrie is an innovative, passionate and committed educator who fosters an enriching learning environment for students, parents and staff. During Terms 3 and 4 I have been completing an extensive handover with Carrie in preparation for 2022.

As Carrie steps into the role of Acting Deputy Head of Primary I thought it would be nice to get to know her better through the following interview: 

Carrie Thomas – K-2 Coordinator and Innovation Leader

What are you excited about as you take on the role of Acting Deputy Head of Primary?

I consider it a privilege to work in a leadership role, such as the Acting Deputy Head of Primary, helping to guide students’ learning, supporting teachers and building positive relationships with parents. My goal is to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment that challenges our students to reach beyond their expectations and become lifelong learners who will be the change-makers of the future. I am excited to continue with the excellent Wellbeing Programs we have in place at Emanuel and look forward to working with our students to develop their social and emotional skills and attributes. 

What do you see as central to student wellbeing and flourishing?

To enhance student wellbeing and see all students flourish, schools need to be safe and happy places. The physical, social and emotional environment of a school affects student wellbeing and impacts attainment and behaviour. Positive wellbeing is enhanced when students have a sense of belonging within a school and when all school community members are actively involved in the life of the school. Building a sense of connectedness and belonging will remain a priority as we return to school after facing the challenges of the past 18 months. 

How do you seek to collaborate and partner with parents?

I believe that establishing positive relationships between the school and families is essential to assisting our students to achieve their potential. Therefore, I strive to build strong connections within our community to work together to support students. I am committed to open and active communication, proactively working together.

I look forward to speaking and working with all the Emanuel parents over the next year. 

What do you see as unique to Emanuel that makes the School so special? 

Our school community is the warmest and most welcoming I have experienced and I feel fortunate to be part of the Emanuel community. In addition to this, providing an enriched educational experience, partnered with the focus on pastoral care, makes this a special place to be. I think we see this embodied in the happiness of our students and their joy to be at school.