Could you tell us a bit about your early years and how your teaching career began?
Having spent a good four years in Japan, from late 1988 to early 1993, I returned to Australia and undertook a Graduate Diploma in Teaching, to add to my Bachelor of Applied Science, at Macquarie University in Sydney. After completing the Grad Dip, I accepted a position at one of the local high schools on the Gold Coast. A Japanese teaching position arose at St Hilda’s School, and I applied. Fortunately, Mrs James had the confidence and decision-making capacity to offer me the position as a Japanese teacher. I was over the moon to be offered a role at such a prestigious school. I started in July of 1996, teaching Year 8 through to Year 12.
How has the teaching environment at St Hilda’s evolved over the years?
One thing that has not changed since 1996 is the very busy nature of the work we do here at St Hilda’s School. However, I have been very fortunate in receiving significant professional development learning opportunities, especially early on, when I was encouraged to be involved in the Endorsement and Verification process with the QCAA. The school has also supported me in promoting and strengthening our international links with our sister schools in Japan.
What has your experience been like working with the students? How have they influenced your teaching?
One of the most important things that I have learned from the girls is that we all learn from each other. They have assisted in making me a more tolerant and better person. I’ve always been proactive in increasing my skill set, regularly taking part in professional learning opportunities to stay up to date with pedagogical changes. This also enabled me to become a member of a strong and broad language teacher’s community. The support from the school was invaluable, allowing me to provide relevant teaching practices in the classroom and share this information with other language teachers I worked with.
You mentioned being part of a strong faculty. Who were your early role models and how did they influence your career?
My early role models and peers were Mrs Gisela Bergmann and Mademoiselle Simone Sebban. I believe we had a very strong, proactive, and robust relationship in the language faculty. It was an honour and privilege to work with these talented and professional educators early in my career. They set a high standard, and their influence helped shape my teaching journey.
You’ve also been deeply involved with the QCAA. How has this contributed to your professional growth?
The school has actively supported my involvement with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) since 1998. This support allowed me to become very familiar with a wide range of assessment techniques and build confidence in applying marking standards accurately. I believe this knowledge has strengthened my teaching, and both the school and the students have benefited from these opportunities.
Can you tell us more about your connection with Japan and the trips you organised for students?
Having spent a considerable amount of time in Japan, I know firsthand how alluring the food, fashion, culture, tradition, and language can be. During my 28-year career at St Hilda’s, I have been involved with 11 trips to Japan. The experiences and memories the students gained during these trips are some of my teaching highlights. I supported 150 to 180 students in embracing the opportunity to live with host families and travel in a foreign country, fostering connections and understanding. When I bump into old girls who participated in these trips, we often reminisce about those cherished memories and our Japanese classes.
As you prepare for the next chapter in your life, what are your plans?
It’s very hard to leave a place like St Hilda’s School, but my time has come. It’s time for the next generation of language teachers to take over. What will I do? Well, it’s all about opportunities. In the short term, we’ll be doing some travelling, and I may engage with the community in some form.
Finally, after such a long and successful career, what do you reflect on the most?
Some of my most frequently asked questions are, “Who is your favourite student?” or “Which is your favourite class?” Those are tough questions! I have very fond memories of my students, classes, and colleagues throughout this 28-year journey. ありがとう ございます, merci mille fois, and thank you very much. It has been a phenomenal opportunity for me.
