Newcastle High teacher Jody Robinson, 45, is now undergoing the fight of her life after being diagnosed with stage two breast cancer just two weeks ago. 

But it is the people whose lives she has touched through her passion for teaching and the arts who are now rallying for her as she begins treatment. 

Ms Robinson had just returned from Tasmania where she had taken Newcastle High senior art students on an excursion to the Museum of New and Old Art when she received the grim news – she has cancer and it has spread to her bones.

Year 12 student Lucy Maher, 17, said Ms Robinson was a very special teacher.

“We are all so shocked and sad, but we know how strong she is,” Lucy said.

“She’s inspirational and a hard working, loving teacher who strives to inspire her students, not only in the arts but to be a better person as well.”

Friend, colleague and neighbour Bridie Watt said their friendship went back to the University of Newcastle where they studied teaching together. 

Her career began as an art teacher at Lake Macquarie High School before becoming the head of creative and performing arts at Lake Munmorah High School. She has also taught art at the University of Newcastle. She started teaching at Newcastle High in 2014 where she is the head of creative and performing arts. 

Ms Watts said Ms Robinson decided long ago her artistic work would be teaching and is a dynamic teacher who “scoops her students up in a whirlwind.” 

“She’s off the cuff, she’s not traditional,” Ms Robinson said.

“She likes to be new, to challenge, make the kids think and be enquiring.”

An art exhibition, Two Words, One Finger will be held to raise funds to help Ms Robinson in the months ahead.  The exhibition is being curated by her son Quinn, 18, with friends and family. Artists are being asked to donate works for the exhibition.

For details visit the Facebook page.