Swan Valley Anglican Community School
Swan Valley Anglican
Community School Welcomes
New School Chaplain
Swan Valley Anglican Community School is very excited to be welcoming their new Chaplain, The Revd Toby Sherring, in September.
Originally from the UK, Toby holds dual citizenship of both Great Britain and Australia. He is currently School Chaplain at The Peterborough School in England, however, Toby will be very familiar to many people in Perth, having previously served as Chaplain at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls in Mosman Park from 2006-16. During this time, he also served the Diocese of Perth as Archbishop’s Examining Chaplain. He was also a member of the Architectural Advisory Committee.
A highly experienced School Chaplain and qualified teacher, Toby is looking forward to returning to Australia, along with his family. Both of his children, who were born in Perth, are excited to be joining the school. Their very well-behaved dog, Fred, is also making the international move with them.
Having been ordained for over 21 years, and having served in a variety of settings, churches and schools, Toby is committed to developing an inclusive, joyful, confident Christian ethos, reflecting the Anglican tradition, and focussed on the love of God for all God’s children.
As a School Chaplain, Toby is known for carrying out his considerable responsibilities with commitment and compassion. He has a gift for preaching and can communicate as easily with younger students as with teenagers and adults.
Principal Melissa Powell said, ‘We are delighted that Toby is joining us. The feedback that I have received from his previous schools has been outstanding. He understands the challenges of keeping the Christian faith and spirituality at the heart of the school community, especially as many students come from other faiths or none. I am looking forward to sharing the spiritual leadership of the school with him.’
Toby’s current Principal in the UK added, ‘Toby has shown himself to be a fine Chaplain. He is a very good preacher and liturgically very strong. He makes himself available for staff and students as Chaplain as an integral part of the school’s pastoral care system. I can recommend him to you without reservation.’
Toby is also a fine musician who has willingly supported the music program in the schools in which he has worked. Whilst living in Perth, he sang in the St George’s Cathedral Consort and occasionally played the organ during Cathedral services. From 2010-16, he was Director of Music at the Church of the Resurrection in Swanbourne.
Of interest, Toby was present at the opening of the Swan Valley Anglican Community School Chapel, The Chapel of the Holy Wisdom of God, in 2011. It will be wonderful to welcome him back to Perth and to the school community.
Published in Messenger August 2023
Swan Valley Anglican Community School
At Swan Valley Anglican Community School, we inspire our students to be the best they can be, whatever pathway they choose.
