Year 9 Teachers
Aidan Kannieappan
9A Caregroup & 9A & 9B Global Perspective Teacher
Email: Aidan.Kannieappan78@schools.sa.edu.au
Hi Y9/10 families, I am Aidan Kannieappan, moved to Whyalla Secondary in March last year. I am in the Global perspective team, teaching Y9 English/HASS and Y10 Exploring Identities’ and Futures. My teaching background is diverse, I have taught New Arrival Students (Migrant Students) in various primary schools in Adelaide for the 16 years, prior to coming here. I have also taught P.E, History, Y11/12 English overseas. I am excited to be teaching the new year nine students in 2024. I believe that every student has a special gift that they bring to the classroom and I, together with all their other subject teachers will help them extend their learning so that they can achieve their desired goals. I can be contacted via email or just drop by after school to see me if you want to chat about your child’s progress.
Linda Brown
9B CareGroup & 9A & 9B Universal Reasoning Teacher
Email: Linda.Brown852@schools.sa.edu.au
Hello! My name is Linda Brown and this is my third year at Whyalla Secondary College. I have taught year 7’s the past two years and this year is my first year teaching in year 9. I will be teaching maths and science to year 9’s and food tech to year 7’s. I am very passionate about science and maths and my vision is to help students who have found these subjects a challenge to enjoy learning more. I have lived in Whyalla since 2000 and I have three children that are all grown up. I have been a part of the Whyalla Hockey Association for the past 20 years and have recently retired from coaching. My other passions include cooking, reading and lego!! I can’t wait to meet all the new families this year.
Rebecca Walton
Literacy Leader & 9C CareGroup/9C Global Perspectives Teacher
Email: Rebecca.Walton206@schools.sa.edu.au
As a Whyalla local, I am passionate about helping students in our community achieve their very best and build the skills required to be successful in their lives. I moved back to Whyalla three years ago to continue my career after teaching in Adelaide for a spell. My passions in the classroom include helping reluctant learners achieve educational goals and having great discussion to help students learn about our world! I’m passionate about reading – especially Edwardian period literature and pulpy war novels. I’m also an avid crafter, with many cupboards of my house overflowing with craft supplies. I’ve just taken up quilting, so I will often be found on my sewing machine. I’ve also been involved in the local table tennis club for the past few years and love playing the sport. I look forward to supporting our students to achieve their very best in 2024!
Chris Cordingley
9C Universal Reasoning Teacher
Email: Christopher.Cordingley426@schools.sa.edu.au
Hi, my name is Chris Cordingley and this will be my fifth year of teaching Maths and Science. I am passionate about the environment, science and playing sports (mainly volleyball); and can’t walk past a good coffee. I will always try to contextualise learning and make it hands-on, as this is more fun for both me and my students, and I look forward to working with the AHEAD and year 9 cohorts this year!
Tahlia Coombe
9D CareGroup & 9D Universal Reasoning Teacher
Email: Tahlia.coombe221@schools.sa.edu.au
Hi! My name is Tahlia Coombe and I have moved to Whyalla in 2024 to begin my teaching career after studying at the University of Adelaide. At university, I majored in applied mathematics and minored in chemistry. I am excited to begin my career teaching Year 9 Mathematics and Science as well as senior school Mathematics. In my free time I enjoy playing netball and also knitting and crocheting, plus you will often find me exploring the local area with my dog.
Lachlan Combes
Year 9 Leader & 9E Caregroup Teacher
Email: Lachlan.Combes262@schools.sa.edu.au
Hello, my name is Lachlan Combes, and I am the Year 9 Coordinator once again in 2024. I am excited to see what the Year 9 students can achieve this year as they look to transition through middle school. This year I will teach a variety of subjects within Year 9 as well as in the Body and Mind faculty teaching Stage 1 and 2 Outdoor Education. Outside of school I love playing and watching sport, particularly football and golf, as well as running around with my two dogs. I look forward to working to get the best out of our students and inspiring them to reach their goals.
Zac Boxall
9D & 9E Global Perspectives Teacher
Email: Zac.Boxall904@schools.sa.edu.au
Hello, my name is Zac Boxall and I am teaching year 9 English and History for classes 9D and 9E and Stage 1 Essential English. I am new to the community, being from Adelaide originally and then spending the last two years as the Head of English at Peterborough High School. I am a huge Adelaide Crows supporter, and I am excited to be teaching at Whyalla Secondary College. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me.
Harry Philp
9E Universal Reasoning Teacher
Email: Harry.Philp447@schools.sa.edu.au
Hi, my name is Harry Philp. In 2024 I will be teaching health and PE in year 7, 8, 9, and 11. My passions include music, playing and watching sport. My free time generally includes hiking and just enjoying the great outdoors. This is my third-year teaching in Whyalla, and in my time here I have taught among various subject areas and am always eager to provide my knowledge to students, as well as learn new things they can teach me.
Shannon Upton
9E Universal Reasoning Teacher
Email: shannon.upton599@schools.sa.edu.au
Hello, my name is Shannon Upton. I am currently undertaking a Special Authority to Teach (SAT) position at Whyalla Secondary College. As a SAT Teacher from midway through Term 2 I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far Whyalla Secondary College. I have recently moved up from Adelaide and love life in Whyalla, it is a great place to live and be apart of. With a large passion for science I have been trained in Chemistry and Biology and teach Universal Reasoning. Teaching Science and Maths is something I love to do and my habit to often talk about/state science facts can come as a slightly annoying habit to friends and family. Away from Science and Maths I love to surf, fish and camp; recently exploring the west of the Eyre Peninsula has solidified my enjoyment for this wonderful area and all the excitement it has to offer.