Past Staff – Where are they Now? Lauryn van den Akker

I joined the Tintern staff in 1997 and my 17 years spent working with the talented and dedicated Mathematics staff were definitely the highlight of my teaching career.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with students ranging from Year 6 Enhancement Maths through to Year 12 VCE and IB students and it was always rewarding to see them achieve their best. I also enjoyed coaching the tennis team and overseeing visits to Tintern by the Blood Bank, which enabled many students to hopefully become life long blood donors.
Since my retirement in 2013, I have thoroughly enjoyed returning to the school for reunions. It is wonderful to hear the journeys of past students and to see them achieve their career goals, as well as catching up with colleagues.

These visits also allow me to view the many new developments at the campus as part of the extensive building and grounds programs. Current students are indeed fortunate to have so many wonderful facilities available and such a beautiful and unique environment in which to complete their primary and secondary education.

I have enjoyed overseas travel since retirement, completing many wonderful walks including the Coast to Coast in the UK. I have also made frequent trips to New Zealand, when permitted, to visit my daughter Natalie (YG 2001) and our two grandchildren. Apart from regular walks, I like to keep fit by playing golf at the Dunes Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula and attending pilates classes.

Although I have missed being in the classroom, I have continued my contact with students by offering tutoring which keeps me in touch with current Maths courses and Tintern news. The pandemic has certainly provided many challenges for staff and students and I have been so impressed by the efforts of staff to provide learning opportunities which ensure the best possible outcome for students whilst at the same time, building on their resilience.

I look forward to the opportunity to visit Tintern in the near future.