St. Francis School Faculty & Staff

Layne Hendrick

Sixth Grade

I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on October 20, 1952 to my dad, Pete, who is a Presbyterian minister, and to the greatest mom ever, Dot, who is an actress here in Austin. Other than the 10 years that I lived in Star City, Arkansas; New York City; Fanwood, New Jersey; Beaumont, and Houston, I've happily resided in the wonderful hill country of Texas in the following places: Austin, New Braunfels, San Marcos, and Kyle, where I now reside.

I graduated with a BA in English and Spanish from Austin College in Sherman, Texas in 1975, and received an MA in English and Spanish from Texas State University in 1982. My speciality for both degrees was contemporary British and American poetry. This year I begin my 33rd year as a teacher. During my career I have taught school in Kingsville, Houston, New Braunfels, San Marcos, Wimberley and Austin. This will be my third year at St. Francis where I teach English/Language Arts, Spanish, Literary Magazine and Chess.

I love teaching because I like to help students discover their own ability to be both kind and creative, thereby becoming successful at life. What brought me to this school (and what I love about St. Francis) is the friendly and supportive learning community which exists here. It is a place where I can teach the the subjects I love and share my strengths with students, parents and faculty, as both a person and an educator. I love Austin because it is a diverse and exciting city, and St. Francis reflects that energy. My favorite interests and hobbies are family, hiking, rock and artifact collecting, fishing, swimming, creative writing, publishing, playing the guitar, travel and surfing. I am a published writer and poet, and have written several books of poetry. I especially like spending time with my family on vacation in Rockport, Texas or at Mo Ranch.

I have been blessed with a lovely wife, Wendy Dubois. I have 5 awesome children: John Kristan(27), Heather Brooke (25), Brett Chapman (14), Andrew Ryan (8) and Emilie Ruth (7 months). I am one of 5 children, and my wonderful parents are both alive and live only two miles from St. Francis!

I feel lucky to be alive, I love my life, and I consider it an honor and privilege to be here to serve the students and parents of this wonderful school!