What do you enjoy most about being Year 7 Coordinator?
I love the continuity of seeing the students develop their friendships and confidence throughout the year. I particularly love seeing them laughing and sharing jokes or games with each other at recess and lunchtimes.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I have always enjoyed facilitating experiences – where you can help to scaffold an experience and assist others in finding a sense of achievement in something they wish to develop. I always wanted to work in a job where I could see growth of others and continue learning, myself. Teaching challenges me to continue to develop new ideas, ways of teaching, uses of technology etc, while also allowing time for coaching and outdoor education, which were my part time jobs that I had loved prior to teaching.
What inspires you now in teaching?
Trying to bounce off student ideas and find a way to link all learning back to life is something that I am constantly inspired to achieve. You never know what’s around the corner in local or world situations, and you never know what the perspective of each individual will be. Sometimes those perspectives, alone, can be inspirational.
What’s different about teaching at Strathcona?
I’ve always been impressed by the amount of participation there is in every activity, especially due to the non-compulsory nature of sport, music, drama, debating, and the arts. Due to the smaller nature of the school, staff get to know each other and their students through the many events, camps and clubs, which gives a better understanding of the student experience.
Do you have a highlight from your time at Strathcona?
I have so many highlights that I keep a list each year! I have a vivid memory of a Ski camp where in the lodge, by the fireplace, Mr Wriedt was telling stories and doing magic tricks for students gathering more and more inquisitively. The whole setting felt like one big family.
What do you enjoy doing outside the classroom?
I coach and play soccer, entertain my nephew and niece (and vice versa), and spend as much time in nature as possible.
If you could only give one piece of advice what would you advise students?
Be patient – with yourself, with others, with problems … you never know what is just around the corner.
