Department of Education

KINGSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Church Street, Kingston, 7050
Phone (03) 6229 5728 Fax (03) 6229 5612
Email:kingston.primary@education.tas.gov.au
Striving together for excellence

15 September 2015
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

Reference for David Hulton 7 September, 2015

David Hulton has been the Chaplain at Kingston Primary School since 2014.
He is outstanding in that role because of his tremendous rapport with
students. He truly listens to the students and finds activities that engage
them and suit their interests and abilities.
Davids management of behaviour is exceptionally good, even with the most
challenging students in the school. His calm, predictable and reasonable
manner at all times is part of the reason that students trust him. He has high
expectations of students and they do not let him down. They understand his
expectations and try their best to meet them.
David uses his dry sense of humour to great advantage, but it is his warmth
and empathy which shine through. He is able to defuse even the trickiest
situations, and to work patiently with volatile or erratic students until they
feel calmer.
David has the skills to talk to students in a firm but calm and unthreatening
manner, no matter what the situation might be. Whereas some teachers
might become agitated, David is always calm and in control of his own
emotions. He clearly understands the importance of giving children a choice
and of allowing them to save face when they have transgressed. Once the
child is calm and settled, David understands the importance of them getting
on with their normal activity, without lecturing or hectoring.
Nevertheless, at an appropriate time, when the child is settled, David talks to
the child about the inappropriate behaviour and suggests strategies which
might constitute better choices on the next occasion.
Davids interest in the well-being of the child is sincere, and he genuinely
values the talents and skills of every student he works with, even though
some are extremely demanding at times.

Lynne Hanlon
Principal