How long have you worked at St Hilda’s School?
This is my second year at St Hilda’s School. I began my teaching career 21 years ago and have worked across a number of Anglican Schools during that time. I love the positive and supportive culture of St Hilda’s School, where everyone encourages one another to grow, learn, and succeed together.
You have had various roles at St Hilda’s - how do you like the changes between the roles?
I began last year at St Hilda’s co-teaching the Year 5 Honours class with Kat Humphris before taking on my own Year 3 class at the beginning of 2024. I have recently stepped into the Head of Teaching and Learning role in the Junior School. I love the dynamic experience of teaching across multiple year levels, as it allows me to connect with students at different stages of their learning journey and tailor my approach to meet their unique needs. Stepping into the role of Head of Teaching and Learning feels like a natural progression, where I can share my passion for education on a broader scale, support my colleagues, and contribute to creating a cohesive and innovative learning environment for the entire school community.
Tell us about your role as Head of Teaching and Learning Junior School.
My role as Head of Teaching and Learning involves overseeing the implementation of the revised Australian Curriculum v9 to ensure that it aligns with the School’s vision and educational goals. I collaborate closely with the Head of Junior School and all teaching staff to map out curriculum standards across various year levels and subjects in the Junior School. A key part of my role involves working collaboratively to review and update our whole-school planning documents to reflect the latest revisions. This includes overseeing assessment practise and facilitating moderation with staff to ensure consistency and accuracy in evaluating student progress. Regular meetings with teachers and facilitating professional development sessions help introduce them to curriculum changes, review current practices, and provide ongoing support to ensure effective implementation and continuous improvement in teaching strategies. To support teachers in delivering the revised curriculum, I assist in identifying and providing suitable resources and materials to enrich the learning experience for our students. Our goal as a Junior School is to ensure complete alignment to v9 of the Australian Curriculum while maintaining a positive and rigorous learning environment that is accessible to all students.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My passion for working with children and witnessing the profound impact that positive role models had on their lives inspired me to become a teacher. Growing up, I was fortunate to have teachers who not only imparted knowledge but also nurtured my curiosity, made learning fun, and believed in my potential. Their encouragement and passion for education left a lasting impression on me, and I knew I wanted to do the same for future generations. Two teachers who made a significant impact on me were my Year 2 and Year 5 teachers. In their classrooms I felt heard and valued and as a result, I was eager to engage in the learning process and to step outside of my comfort zone in the pursuit of personal growth and academic success. I strongly believe that when children feel understood and supported, they are more willing to take risks, explore new ideas, and fully engage in their education. Building strong, positive relationships with young learners not only enhances their academic growth but also nurtures their emotional and social development. The joy of helping children discover their strengths and guiding them on their educational journey is what motivates me every day.
What do you love most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with my students and witness their "wow" moments when they grasp a new concept or achieve a personal goal. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their faces light up with understanding and pride, knowing that my support and encouragement have helped them reach milestones and grow both academically and personally. The variety and laughter that each day brings make the job even more enjoyable, and I take great joy in watching students develop self-confidence in their abilities as learners. These moments of connection, achievement, and growth are what make teaching so fulfilling for me.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of teaching?
My hobbies and interests revolve around my love for family and spending quality time together. My husband and I have three children, and we spend a lot of time with our extended family, creating cherished memories, sharing meals, holidays, and special occasions together. I also find joy in reading, which offers a peaceful escape and a chance to explore new ideas. In summer I love nothing more than laying out in the sun with a good book! I’m extremely fortunate to have friends I have known since my early childhood whom I connect with regularly; they provide a grounding presence in my life as they accept and value me for who I am and they have provided a constant source of comfort and connection throughout my life.
What inspires and motivates you day-to-day?
What inspires and motivates me day-to-day is the support I receive from my family, my deep belief in God, and the encouragement I receive from supportive friends. My family's unwavering love and backing give me the confidence to face challenges and pursue my goals. My faith provides me with a sense of purpose and direction, and it has helped guide and support me through both triumphs and difficulties throughout my life. Additionally, having friends who believe in me and offer encouragement ensures I stay motivated and grounded, making every day a bit brighter and more fulfilling.
What is your vision/goal for the future?
My professional goal is to inspire and empower both students and teachers by fostering a love of learning in an inclusive and supportive environment. I’m committed to staying innovative through ongoing professional development, ensuring that our teaching practices evolve to meet the diverse needs of our students, and making a lasting, positive impact on their educational journey.
In my personal life, I would love to take more holidays with my family. With a trip already planned for the end of the year, I’m committed to making family vacations a priority, so that we enjoy quality time together and create lasting memories.
