The 2026 school year has begun for most of the schools in the surrounding area, including Finley High School.
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Several new faces have joined the teaching fraternity, as well as some familiar faces taking on a new role.
Leanna Loughridge, who has been teaching on a casual basis, is now full-time and Gerard Tessier has returned after a two-year absence.
Principal Jeff Ward welcomed them on the pupil free day last Tuesday and believes they will be a great asset to the school.
Leanna, along with Jorja Dixon, Tyson Peters, Stacey Almond, Olivia Walker, Nathan King and James Ford expressed their pleasure at joining the team.
Jorja Dixon said: “I grew up in Barooga and am the oldest of four. I completed primary school at Barooga Public School before moving to Yarroweyah and attending Cobram Secondary College, and later St Mary's in Nathalia.
“I finished school in 2019 and began a Bachelor of Engineering the following year. After realising it wasn't the right fit for me, I changed to a Bachelor of Education (K-12). In 2024, I started my first teaching position at St Mary's in Nathalia, where I spent the last two years developing my skills and experience in the classroom.
“I have recently bought a house, moved back to Barooga and am excited to continue my teaching career in the local area.”
Leanna Loughridge said: “I grew up in Berrigan and attended Berrigan Public School and Finley High School. I began my Bachelor of Science in 2005 after leaving school, then returned to the area in 2006 to marry my husband Colin and start a family.
“The following years were spent raising my four children while completing my tertiary education and working as a piano teacher, tractor driver and doing the books for our family business.
“I also enjoy volunteering at Finley Amateur Swimming Club and Finley Community Church, as well as teaching K-2 SRE (Special Religious Education) at Finley Public School.
“I began teaching casually at Finley High in 2025. This year I am excited to begin a position in the maths faculty!”
Nathan King: “I rejoin Finley High School from Barham High School and will be teaching Technology and PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education).
“My teaching background entails 24 years in a number of Riverina high and central schools, predominantly as a PDHPE teacher.
“The motivation and passion for being an educator stems from attending a small central school many years ago in Coleambally. Teaching at Finley HS gives me an opportunity to deliver educational outcomes for every individual student."
Tyson Peters: “Hello! I am a proud local from Berrigan and a Finley High School alumnus, having graduated around 10 years ago.“It feels special to be returning to the school I once attended, but this time as a teacher within the wonderful English department. I am excited to work alongside a very supportive department, staff and school, where I hope to also build strong connections with the students.”
Local resident Stacey Almond has started a new role at Finley High School, joining the office administration team.
Born and raised in Tocumwal and a past student of Finley High, Stacey is thrilled to return to the school in a professional role and looks forward to being part of the school’s ongoing journey.
Olivia Walker: "I am a new teacher who grew up on the Central Coast, where I developed my passion for music and later taught at my former high school.
“I am excited to bring my music knowledge to the school and to become actively involved in performance within the community."
James Ford: “I've moved from Cobram Secondary College teaching PE and Health to Finley High School teaching PDHPE.
“I completed my studies in Adelaide and taught PE and Outdoor Education in southern suburbs of Adelaide.
“I grew up in Western Sydney playing rugby, Aussie rules and athletics. You'll find me down the river most weekends in summer and watching Finley play football and netball or coaching soccer in Cobram in the winter.”
Mr Ward said: “I am sure each one of these, as well as all teachers at the school, will contribute to the education and welfare of the students in their own area.”
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Just a reminder that the Finley Hospital Auxiliary Op Shop ‘All you can carry for $5’ sale comes to an end this Saturday.
The sale consists of clothing only so be sure to take the opportunity to purchase some outstanding second-hand clothing at this great price.
There are other bargains, so call in, have a chat with the lovely volunteers and buy to your heart’s content.
All funds raised by the Op Shop are used to purchase extra facilities for our local hospital which is currently going through major renovations.
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Finley Regional Care Auxiliary will be starting the 2026 year with a meeting to be held on Monday, February 16 at Finley Regional Care, 26 Dawe Ave, at 2pm.
Monthly meetings are held on the third Monday of each month, and everyone is most welcome to attend. All funds raised by the auxiliary are used to provide extra facilities for the residents.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Sue Hand (president) 0419 831 554, Bernadette Agosta (secretary) 0417 897 462 or Maria McCaw (treasurer) 0429 839 438.
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Items for ‘From Finley’ may be submitted by phoning 0428 293 922, emailing anne.freestone@bigpond.com or left at the Southern Riverina News office.
Please include a contact name and phone number.