Faces of Clonard

Faces of Clonard – Mr Chris Kershaw

Mr Kershaw, warmly known as Kersh, is Clonard’s Facilities and Maintenance Manager. In this role, Kersh manages all things related to the College’s infrastructure both existing and proposed. In leading the Maintenence Team, Kersh facilitates the maintenance requirements both planned and accidental, across the College – which can be any number of things on any given day!

He oversees the cleaning staff, gardening staff, external contractors and is a key player for any new project taking place, which is an intricate balance of working around school priorities and timetables, yet making sure the job gets done. Kersh and the maintenance team are responsible for the beautifully manicured grounds all year round and for keeping the College environment a safe, clean and productive place to teach and learn. They are the go-to people for setting up special events at the College and beyond.

In 2018, Kersh was able to accompany a Year 9 group to one of our partnership communities, Nauiyu (Daly River) in the Northern Territory, which is one of his fondest memories as well as being part of the facilitation of new building projects at Clonard.

Thank you, Kersh for being ‘on call’ to all our needs and requirements and all those extra things we enjoy every day at Clonard.

Faces of Clonard – Mr Craig Billows

Mr Billows is Clonard’s Science Laboratory Manager. In this role, Mr Billows is responsible for sourcing and preparing science equipment and materials for science practical classes. He assists with class practicals, demonstrations and field excursions and oversees safety in the laboratories including preparing risk assessments, storage and use of chemicals, biological materials and scientific apparatus. In addition, Mr Billows is a valuable member of the Clonard Sustainability Team and OH&S Team.

During remote learning in 2020, Mr Billows was able to direct his attention to the establishment of the native grassland garden at Clonard. The Victorian volcanic plains grasslands were once widespread across southwest Victoria but are now critically endangered due to their destruction through historical land changes such as the introduction of non-native plant species, ploughing, cropping and residential and industrial development. His care and passion in this area is evident and everyone who is able to speak with him about this comes to a greater appreciation and understanding of the issue.

‘With nearly 40 years working in the the fields of industrial, environmental and ecological research, management and education, it is a wonderful feeling to be able to contribute to the education of young women in science and share my experiences with everyone at Clonard’. – Mr Billows