James Esson

Chaplain and Teachers’ Aide, Orange Anglican Grammar School

James Esson, as a Chaplain and Teachers’ Aide, strives to connect people to place and purpose. Almost falling into a role as a Teachers’ Aide initially at St Lucy’s School in Wahroonga, he strove to integrate this part time position with his ongoing work in chaplaincy. It was his move to Orange Anglican Grammar School that cemented his commitment to both roles, where he found an immediate sense of community and belonging.

James has become an intrinsic part of the teaching and learning teams at Orange Anglican Grammar School, as well as the broader community of learners and families. It is this, and his humility, that strengthens his impact in and out of the classroom on the students he works with and his academic colleagues across the school according to Louise O’Reilly, the English Coordinator.

Louise works closely in partnership with James, especially in Stage 6 English, where he has had a profound impact on the students in the Standard English class. He is regarded as a role model for fellow Teachers’ Aides and plays a leading role in connecting with students’ families. James values these relationships as the heart of all he does, building a sense of mutual respect and trust with the students, and professional support and partnership with the teachers. His hope is that they leave school knowing their own value and their place in the world outside of the classroom, being confident in their capacity to advocate for their own needs, desires, and values. He has endeavored to help students build confidence in their interactions with others through initiatives such as a board game club, and D&D/Warhammer playing groups. This encourages students to socially engage with those around in an environment that allows them to feel valued, heard and understood. He underpins this with additional support and more individualised support for students outside of the classroom through the Thrive Centre.

James’s relational links to individuals, ties to the community, and connection to the school allow him to accompany students as they complete their education. Louise notes that James’s collaboration with colleagues and students is central to his work, making him an essential part of the school community.