Staff Spotlight
Science Department
The Science Department at Shore brings together a dedicated team of professionals with backgrounds ranging from Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Forensics through to Quantum Physics and Aeronautics. The incredible diversity of the team is a fantastic asset for Shore. The Department comprises 17 Teachers, four Laboratory Staff and an Administration Assistant, and is one of the largest within the school.
The core purpose of this team is encapsulated by the statement:
We aspire to cultivate curious, analytical thinkers capable of posing questions, constructing evidence-based explanations, and forming creative insights. We seek to be a fair, cohesive, and innovative team who model life-long learning to inspire enthusiastic, ethical and scientifically minded graduates ready to competently engage as global citizens.
Dr Roger Kennett joined Shore in 2019 as Head of Department after 19 years at The King’s School. Dr Kennett has a PhD in Educational Neuroscience and is passionate about the role of science in preparing young people to engage positively in solving the issues and exploring the possibilities of the future. He feels that the strength of the Science Department lies in the diverse experience and interests of the staff.
Miss Jennifer Backhus has an interest in Microbiology and Transfusion Science; Mr Harry Byrnes studied Medicinal Chemistry, designing novel drugs; and Michael Jones studied Quantum Physics and Pure Mathematics. Ms Barbara Doran has a background in Infectious Disease and Public Health and Mrs Emily Murray studied Pharmacology with an emphasis on chelating agents used in Chemotherapy treatment. Mr Richard Ward used to fly RAAF planes, Miss Natasha Whiteman investigated horse doping for Racing NSW and Mr Ian Middleton is working towards a zero-carbon footprint.
Mr Darren Junee and Mr Rodney Fitch are both Boarding Housemasters, Mrs Amanda Pfeffer is Head of Digital Learning and Mr Tim Scouller is a keen ocean swimmer.
Mrs Victoria Hunter joined Shore this year after spending most of her teaching career at North Sydney Boys High School. Mr Malcolm Webster taught overseas before joining Shore 10 years ago, James Friend has taught Biology since 1989; Lucy Young joined the team in 2021 and Olivia Power is on the Shore Teacher Education Scholarship.
Our Laboratory Manager, Mrs Janet McNamara has been at Shore for over 22 years and leads a team of three Assistants: Mrs Uma Kumanan, Mr Simon Aquilina and Mrs Ammy Kaur.
