1. How long have you worked at St Hilda’s School?
I've had the pleasure of working at St Hilda’s School for three years. In this time, I've seen the school evolve and have been fortunate to contribute to its dynamic learning environment.
2. You have had various roles at St Hilda’s - how do you like the changes between the roles
Throughout my time at St Hilda's, I've enjoyed the diversity of roles I've undertaken. My primary role is teaching Modern History to Years 11 and 12, as well as History to Years 9 and 10, which allows me to share my passion for the subject with students at different stages of their educational journey. Additionally, I co-manage our Thursday lunchtime International Group with Catherine Syms and our incredible prefects, fostering a sense of global citizenship among our students. This year, I've also taken on the responsibility for Year 7-12 Debating, which has added a new layer of excitement to my Wednesday evenings, as I guide students in developing their critical thinking and public speaking skills. The variety in these roles keeps me engaged and constantly learning.
3. What inspired you to become a teacher?
My inspiration to become a teacher stems from a deep love for my subject that developed at a very young age. History has always fascinated me, and as I grew older, I discovered a passion for working with young people. The opportunity to merge these two interests—teaching a subject I love and engaging with students—was a natural and rewarding career path for me.
4. What do you love most about your job?
What I love most about my job is witnessing the intellectual and personal growth of my students. It's incredibly fulfilling to see them develop not just in their academic abilities but also in their confidence and social skills. Every day presents new opportunities to challenge them and watch them rise to the occasion, which is the most rewarding aspect of teaching.
5. What are your hobbies and interests outside of teaching?
Outside of teaching, I have a keen interest in adaptive sports, such as wheelchair AFL and sit-skiing. Additionally, I enjoy writing, podcasting, and travelling the world to watch football, the global game. My passion for history extends beyond the classroom, as I co-host a history podcast series with my son, which you can check out at https://www.dadandmelovehistory.com/. These activities allow me to stay engaged with my interests and bring fresh experiences back to my teaching.
6. What inspires and motivates you day-to-day?
Our students are my greatest source of inspiration and motivation. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn drive me to continuously improve as an educator. Every day, I am motivated by the knowledge that I can make a positive impact on their lives, helping them to grow not just academically, but also as thoughtful, informed individuals.
7. Tell us about your role.
In leading Senior Modern History, my role is to challenge our students to strive for excellence. Modern History is more than just learning about the past — it's about understanding how the events and decisions of the past have shaped the world we live in today. My job is to inspire students to think critically about these connections, to facilitate their learning, and to guide them as they explore the complexities of modern history.
8. What is your vision/goal for the future?
My goal for the future is to continuously strive to do better. Whether it's improving my teaching resources and methods or contributing to the broader school community, my goal is to never stop growing.
