At the core of everything we do in education is the student. Often, in the clutter of outside pressures and documentation requirements, it can be a challenge to remember this fact. Truly knowing our students requires that we understand their passions, motivations, challenges and fears. With that information teachers can prepare a rich and personalised learning program that ensures all students can thrive and grow. Since moving to Newcastle, I have had the privilege of working in a pastoral care role focused on student wellbeing, as Head of House. This role has allowed me to put into practice, cutting edge practices of Positive Education and Visible Wellbeing, confirming the importance of Wellbeing to Academic performance. No longer can education see these two elements of a student's life as separate. They are intertwined and each can have a positive or negative impact on the other.
A school that takes a team approach to teaching and learning can support students and parents in navigating their personal learning journeys together. Working within this triad, allows for true personalisation of the learning experience.
Another aspect of personalisation of learning in modern education is how data can be used to improve our understanding of best practice in teaching and learning. Targeting skills deficiencies in both the staff and students helps a school to strive for 'personal best' outcomes for everyone. My extensive skills in computer science allows me to manipulate data to make information usable by all of my colleagues to target their efforts.
2020-2021 University of Tasmania - Diploma of Sustainability
2004-2007: Monash University - Bachelor of Education
2003: Monash University - Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education
1997-2002: Frankston High School - VCE Certificate
Level 2 First Aid
Anaphalaxis Qualification
2022-Ongoing: Hunter Valley Grammar School - Head of TAS
2018-2022: Newcastle Grammar School - Head of House
Senior Reporting and Data Analytics Administrator and TAS Teacher.
2015-Present: St Margaret's School - Senior and VCE Computing Teacher
Head of Digital Learning + Learning Leader: Learning Diversity
2012-2014: St Margaret's School - Senior and VCE Computing Teacher and Head of Digital Learning
2009-2011: St Margaret's School - Year 6 Classroom Teacher and Digital Learning Leader
2008: Selby Primary School - Year 5 Classroom Teacher
Technology Mandatory
Digital Technologies
Food and Agriculture
Materials (Timber)
Information and Software Technology
Agriculture
iSTEM
Software Design and Development
Information Processes and Technology
I've always had an avid interest in horticulture. In the past 10 years I have worked towards growing a greater percentage of the produce we consume ourselves in a bid to live more sustainably. I've developed skills and knowledge and relished passing on to my students through the introduction of these approaches in programs at school. Check out my Blog to see some of the posts I've written to share ideas and approaches. In the past 12 months I've completed a diploma of sustainability at UTAS with a view to increase my skills and knowledge in this area. Young people hold the key to lasting change in the area of environmental protection. I look forward to passing on this passion in the years to come.
At the core of all of my goals and decisions is my family. That's what leads me to prepare this site to apply for a role closer to home. The opportunity to contribute to a school that is a significant part of the community I live in is exciting. Dedication, loyalty, perseverance and creativity are some of my strengths that have been essential in both my personal and professional lives. I hope to raise my own children with these same values.
Beekeeping has become a strong passion of mine in recent years. The attributes of patience and empathy have been crucial in helping my colonies to thrive. In the past few years, I've had the privilege of introducing one of the only student beekeeping programmes in Victoria and then continuing this with the introduction of Newcastle Grammar School's 'Honey on the Hill' programme. Passing on the skills and knowledge has enabled numerous students to pursue this in their own time and share the passion through parent workshops.