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A very warm welcome to Elizabeth Bishop, our new Mathematics Learning Area Coordinator. Elizabeth is teaching Middle and Senior School classes and we are thrilled to have her join our special 51���� family. We also love her beautiful story - graciously shared with us. Thank you Elizabeth.

“Hello, I’m Elizabeth and it’s wonderful to be here. I first heard of 51���� College when I worked in Alice Springs and often hoped that I could at least visit. Instead, I have come to work here. I am looking forward to making new friends and to learn the stories and songs of the land.

I have taught in Alice Springs for the past six years and previously in several high schools in New Zealand. I graduated from Massey University in New Zealand with degrees in Mathematics and Statistics and also in Mathematics Education for Primary and Secondary curriculum.

I have lived in many countries, travelling with my family. The best memories are of spending time with my grandmother. She never learned to read but always loved to hear the Bible stories of Jesus. Our family would often take the caravan down to the beach over the weekend and hunt for flatfish and shellfish. In the evenings we would sit around listening to my dad playing the harmonica.

I love to read and also to write stories. When the weather is cooler, I enjoy trekking, camping and walking trails. I’m interested in learning how to make short professional looking homemade movies. Most of my family are spread over Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. I have a daughter, a son and two handsome grandsons who live in New Zealand.

My pet is called Jess. She is a friendly black and white dog, almost blind and a little deaf but has a calming personality that brings a smile to my face after a long and busy day at work.

I was very young when I gave my heart to Jesus and asked Him to be my Lord and Saviour. My dad always told me how he learned to read from the Bible, sitting on my grandad's knee, and when he later led the church services, I accompanied him by playing the piano. During the long trips by car, we would talk about life and the need to listen and learn - not to be hasty in making choices but to show patience, kindness and love towards others.

God has never let me down, even when I couldn't see any good from my situations. He is my constant, my rock, and I thank Him every day for His blessing, protection from harm and the saving grace of Jesus.”