Q. How long have you worked at St Hilda’s School?
I began my journey at St Hilda’s School in Term 1 of 2019. After spending Term 2 at TSS, I returned to St Hilda’s for Term 3 and have been here ever since. As I now celebrate six fulfilling years at this remarkable school, I reflect on the many rewarding experiences and the strong connections I've built with both students and colleagues along the way.
Q. What inspired you to become a teacher?
I always had an innate feeling of teaching. I like to help others and education is power! My first full time job was an electrical apprenticeship with NSW Roads and Traffic authority. Even during those four years I wanted to teach, in particularly History. I enjoyed the apprenticeship and used the skills to train others in my fourth year. During that year I also applied to university as a mature aged student. I was accepted and started my undergraduate degree in history, geography, linguistics and archaeology.
Q. What do you love most about your job?
The greatest joy in my role comes from witnessing student success. While we might not always see the moment when understanding truly clicks, it’s incredibly rewarding when it does. I am also deeply grateful to work in such a beautiful environment, surrounded by supportive colleagues and dedicated students.
Q. What are your hobbies and interests outside of teaching?
Over the years, I’ve pursued a variety of hobbies and interests, often immersing myself in one before moving on to the next. As a child, I enjoyed playing music, beginning with the piano, although I soon realised it wasn’t my forte, and I’m still hopeless with a tune. I played rugby league for many years until work commitments took over, so now I’m an avid supporter of the Panthers and NSW—Go the Blues! My weekends are frequently occupied with house renovations, and I have a passion for travel. This year, I’m looking forward to spending Christmas in a quaint Tuscan village and celebrating New Year’s in Dubai.
The greatest joy in my role comes from witnessing student success.
Q. What is your vision/goal for the future?
I would like to assess the possibility of an archaeology site to take future Ancient History students. Perhaps Menorca might be the place!
My first archaeology dig was in Paphos, on the island of Cyprus. I was part of a team from Sydney University who was (and still is) slowly revealing the amphitheatre of Alexander the Great. The history and experience was amazing! As you dug into the dirt you revealed the timeline of Cyprus; the nineteenth century, then Ottoman Turkish artefacts, then medieval pottery, then late Roman, then early Roman, all the way back to the Greek civilisation. The Greek pottery sherds used super fine clay and looked like fine China. History really came alive!
I was to return to Cyprus this year; however, there were a few safety issues with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Instead, I am off to Spain and to the little Island of Menorca. The archaeological site was Ancient Roman town called Sanisera. Pliny the elder wrote about the town in 77 AD (1947 years ago), 2 years before the eruption of Vesuvius.
Sanisera will be a 3 week archaelogical dig, hopefully unveiling many Ancient Roman artefacts. There is a sixth century burial ground there as well – and, although I studied osteoarchaeology, I do not wish to dig up body.
