Alumni Spotlight: Nerida Williams (Class of 1986)
Looking through old photos truly feels like stepping into a time machine—the memories come rushing back with such clarity. I graduated from Servite College in 1986, and I have to say, our Class of ’86 is a remarkable group of people. It’s hard to believe we’ll be celebrating our 40-year reunion next year (eek!). Our reunions always draw a great crowd, and I think that’s because the friendships formed during our high school years were genuine and are valued. Everyone cares about each other, and we enjoy reconnecting whenever we can.
I have so many fond memories from my time at Servite: lunchtime volleyball, watching Year 12 students deliver sermons from the Science wing stairwell, night-time swim carnivals, and fundraising movie nights. I still remember Francis Sullivan’s storytelling in Year 10 Social Studies, which came to life for me years later when I travelled through London. Year 9 Food and Nutrition with Jenneth Stibbi was also another memorable experience, inspiring me to become a Home Economics teacher myself.
One of the standout experiences from Year 12 was the North West Wagon Train, a two week trip from Perth to Wittenoom in a 24-seater Coaster bus with Miss Cirej, Mr Branson and Fra Liam Mackle. Camping under the stars beneath a massive blue tarp at Paynes Find was magical. We stopped along the way at Cue and Day Dawn, and hiked and swam in the gorges of the Hammersley Range National Park (known as Karijini National Park since 1991).
This year marks 30 years of service in Catholic Education for me. I’ve taught at four co-educational schools in the metropolitan area, including Seton Catholic College, Prendiville Catholic College, Mater Dei College, and Servite College. Returning to Servite in 2008 as a teacher was incredibly special. I cherished my time working with the Pathways Team, supporting families and guiding students on their individual journeys. Helping them access training and workplace learning opportunities to prepare for life beyond school was greatly rewarding. In 2015, I was honoured to receive the St Philip Award from the Servite Friars, recognising my work in building the Vocational Education and Training (VET) program at the college.
Next month marks two years since I transitioned from the classroom to an office-based role as Coordinator of Senior Secondary Pathways within Catholic Education at the West Leederville office. While at times I do miss my students, I love being in a position where I can support school leadership and teachers in CEWA schools across all of Western Australia. This role has taken me to many regional schools and desert schools in both the West and East Kimberley. Visiting these communities has opened my eyes to the challenges of delivering quality education in remote areas. I especially enjoy working with these communities to connect young people with meaningful opportunities. I’m still advocating for students, just now from a system-wide perspective and for a diverse range of learners.
As a teacher, I loved being part of the OLS Priory – a great community of people with whom I’ve made some life-long friends. The Servite story and its charism of service continue to shape who I am and how I work. Servite was also the school of choice for my own two children, so I remain connected to the Servite community through them and their friends.
Although my children are now adults, life remains busy. I’m currently studying a Master’s of Education (Leadership and Management) at Notre Dame University. When I’m not immersed in study, I love spending time with friends and family, dining out, camping, stand-up paddleboarding and Pilates.
I’m incredibly grateful that my parents chose Servite College for my brothers and me all those years ago. Experiencing the school as a student, a teacher, and a parent has been a true privilege, one that’s given me lifelong friendships and a deep connection to the community.
