The Arts Teachers

Lauren McManus

Lauren McManus

Year 7 Art Teacher

Email: Lauren.McManus20@schools.sa.edu.au 

I grew up in Whyalla and completed my secondary schooling at Samaritan College in 2013. Shortly after, I moved to Adelaide and completed a Diploma in Applied Fashion Design and Technology and a Bachelor of Creative Arts in Fashion at Flinders University. I’ve always loved being creative and crafty whether it’s hands on or digitally creating. Covid-19 led me to a career change and the beginning of my teaching journey, completing a Masters in Teaching (Secondary) through Charles Darwin University. I’m excited for 2024 and to be a part of the Visual Arts and Future Technologies communities across multiple year levels.    

Pete Beer

Pete Beer

Year 7 & 8 Art Teacher

Email: Pete.Beer178@schools.sa.edu.au 

Besides completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree in Adelaide and Diploma of Secondary Education I have been a lifelong resident of Whyalla. My 27 years of experience as a senior Visual Arts educator has allowed me to extend my skills and share my passion for the fine arts with countless students. I particularly enjoy exploring and creating various forms of art including printmaking, pottery and drawing. Other passions of mine include gardening, especially native plants, vintage motorbikes and exploring the outdoors. This year I will be teaching a range of Art and Future Technologies subjects’ years 7, 8, 11 and 12.  

Pierre Visser

Pierre Visser

Year 7 Music Teacher

Email: Petrus.Visser525@schools.sa.edu.au 

I’m Pierre, I qualified with a Bachelor degree in Music Performance and a Diploma in Secondary Higher Education. I am an experienced teacher, who has worked in Whyalla and abroad in a variety of teaching roles. My expertise lies in piano, clarinet, saxophone and trumpet, as well as vocal coaching, choirs and orchestra. I strongly believe in the educational value of engaging in Music, and its benefits to the cognitive, emotional and physical development of students. My overall goal is to inspire and support learners by sharing my passion for the Performing Arts.

Anna Hildebrandt

Anna Hildebrandt

Year 7 Music & Year 8 Dance Teacher

Email: Anna.Hildebrandt934@schools.sa.edu.au 

Hello! I am passionate about the performing arts, having previously completed an undergrad at Flinders Drama Centre followed by a Masters in Teaching, and am excited to share this with my students. I believe the performing arts equips students with not only industry specific skills, but also the critical and creative thinking needed in all industries. I am excited to be teaching the performing arts across the middle school in 2024. When I’m not at school you can catch me cross-stitching, ballroom dancing, playing video games, and most importantly, chasing my 2-year-old around the park.

Amanda Reese

Amanda Reese

Arts Leader & Year 8 Art Teacher

Email: Amanda.Reese863@schools.sa.edu.au 

My name is Amanda Reese and I am the Arts Leader at Whyalla Secondary College. I originally moved to Whyalla to begin my teaching career as a graduate teacher. I have raised my family here and I have now lived in Whyalla for the majority of my life. I have been teaching in Whyalla for 28 years. I am passionate about making relevant connections to learning – inside and outside the school environment. This year for Semester 1, I am teaching Year 8, 9 and 10 Visual Arts and working with a group of Year 11 students for Mentoring.

Lauren Hegarty

Lauren Hegarty

Year 8 Dance Teacher

Email:Lauren.Hegarty460@schools.sa.edu.au

Hey, my name is Lauren Hegarty and I am a middle school Body and Mind teacher. This year I will be teaching Recreational PE, Fitness and Lifestyle and Specialist PE. I’m from Adelaide and moved to Whyalla in mid-2020. Away from school I’m heavily involved in the sporting community playing netball, basketball and football. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of premierships, team of year, and combined teams representing Whyalla. Sadly, I have ruptured my ACL but I will take on a few coaching roles this year to stay involved. Apart from sport, I love my family and friends, and treasure the relationships I’ve made in Whyalla, as they’ve become my family away from home. I can’t wait to meet all the students. I’m most excited to see their skills develop and their confidence grow within PE.

Inspiring Possibilities

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