Heath Morley

Each month, we find out more about a nominated staff
member. 

SPOTLIGHT ON … HEATH MORLEY

What is your role at Emanuel School?
Head of Rabin House, PDHPE Teacher and Rugby Union/ Touch Football Coach. 

How long have you been at Emanuel School?
Since 2014

What do you enjoy about working here?
The students and the supportive environment created by the community. This was the first thing I noticed when I started teaching at Emanuel in 2014. There is an obvious passion and enthusiasm from the teachers and students to constantly improve and progress as a school – this was especially evident when I proposed initiating a new elective Year 9 and 10 course through the PDHPE Department called Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) and this was received with plenty of interest and enthusiasm.

What have you learnt about yourself at Emanuel?
In my Year 12 graduation speech last year, I indicated that the first Year 7 camp I took my Tutor Group on in 2014 allowed me to truly understand the wonderful and energetic nature of Emanuel students. From what I witnessed that week I was truly impressed. The students cared about one another and looked for opportunities to help and support each other through the difficulties they experienced – whether it be braving the wombat hole, scaling the high ropes course or overcoming the treacherous terrain on their one-day trek. I was surprised by their caring nature and ever optimistic attitude in times of difficulty.

My answer to this question isn’t exactly what I have learnt about myself but rather knowing I am in the right place as a teacher. This camp experience early on with my tutor group convinced me, as a teacher, I was in the right place.

What is your favourite memory?
This is a difficult question for me to answer as I have many memorable moments. I would say I have two favourite memories that are ‘stand outs’ for me:

• Being a Rabin Tutor from 2014-2019. I had the privilege of watching my tutor group progress through their formative years from Years 7-12. I was able to assist and celebrate special moments with them throughout High School.
• Coaching an extraordinary group of students – Rugby Union – starting in Year 7 in 2015 through to Year 12 in 2020. These students defeated Moriah in their final match in the Annual Rugby Union JDS Cup. This was a very special moment as it was the first time Emanuel has beaten Moriah in Rugby.

What do you do to unwind/what do you enjoy doing outside school hours?
I enjoy keeping active and healthy myself by doing a variety of fitness training such as strength training, indoor rowing and running. I have a growing interest in gardening, and I enjoy working on my garden or repairing it when my dog decides to dig it up. Along with this I enjoy cooking on the weekends and trying new wine.

What song do you know all the lyrics to?
I have never bothered learning any lyrics as I think it’s best that no one ever hears me sing.

Heath enjoying a night out with his wife, Amy Romano

Do you have a hidden talent and if so, what is it?
My talent isn’t hidden, and I probably wouldn’t call it a talent but more of a passion. I enjoyed playing rugby for many years as a teenager, and through my 20’s and earlier 30’s, and now I get a similar enjoyment from rugby coaching. This year I was fortunate enough to coach the Colts (U21’s) at Randwick Rugby Union Club. We had an enjoyable and successful year as a team and unfortunately lost to Sydney Uni in the semi-final.

What do you wish you could tell your 12-year-old self?  if you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
My comment/wisdom isn’t a reflection of the fact that I didn’t necessarily do this growing up but more about the value I place on being your own person and living your own life – “Carve your own path in life, run your own race at your pace but don’t be too proud to ask for directions when you are lost”.