Jiffy grew up amongst grape vines on South Australia’s Limestone Coast. In Penola, a town that blends seamlessly with Coonawarra, there are vines as far as the eye can see- a famous wine growing region known for it’s Cabernet Sauvignon. Growing up in an agricultural hub like that, there was always lots to do. That being said, Penola was pretty quiet – much smaller than Denmark. If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jiffy, it will come as no surprise to you that he couldn’t wait to leave. From being an exchange student in Japan at 16 years old, to blowing a flesh-eating worm out of his nose as a twenty-something-year-old standing in a river in Borneo, Jiffy is well travelled.

"Never say no to experiences" are words he lived by during this time – a sentiment that has seen some revision in recent years. It served him well as he travelled the world following interest and intrigue. With a glint in his eye, he describes the villages of Mexico: “you always feel like you’re in the right place, at the right time.” Moving from village to village, celebration to celebration, surrounded by thriving microcosms of culture and history. He’d love to go back one day. He has many stories from his travels, so many that it’s hard to recall just one to tell or just one thing people would be surprised to know. As I spoke with Jiffy, I realised everything he told me was surprising. If you get the chance, be sure to ask him about his travels.

The story he plucked from obscurity for me today hailed from the wild and rugged terrain of Madagascar. Jiffy was on a hiking tour, his beard was very, very long, his overalls a bit tattered, his piano accordion with him as he walked. Eventually the hike came across a village, children playing on the periphery. One of the children, a boy, stared at Jiffy - eyes wide, his mouth agape, he pointed to Jiffy. Unwavering, he stayed like this for a while; then burst into laughter - “at the sight of me!” Jiffy exclaimed. “The other kids in the village all rush over and I have the same effect.” The adults were no exception, hysterically laughing and pointing as he made his way through the town. Later he would come to learn that in Madagascar, there is a very famous man, with a long red beard and a shock of red hair on his head- the Madagascan Jesus.

Now having settled in Mount Barker, he tackles his greatest adventure yet-raising his 19 month old little girl, Jaq, alongside his partner Beth. In Jiffy’s words, “being a parent is the best thing I’ve ever done.”

At Golden Hill, you’ll find Jiffy teaching Science (Class 8), Choir (Class 6), Gardening (Class 1 /2) and his favourite subjects, Humanities and History (Class 7). We are lucky enough to be the first place Jiffy has put down some roots as a teacher. His vivacious teaching and enthusiasm bring a buoyancy to his classroom.Jiffy has completed a degree in Psychology (whilst moving between South Australia, Melbourne and Canada), a postgraduate degree in Teaching, as well as his Steiner Teacher training.

Next year will see Jiffy taking on some new programs and classes. We’re confident he’ll bring his classroom showmanship and his collection of exotic musical instruments along for the ride. From a well-travelled piano accordion to a set of bagpipes from Iran (that may or may not have been a goat in another lifetime), to a sitar. Our students are sure to be enthralled. We’re certainly grateful to have him.

-Sarah Lewer-