Life before Girton
After graduating from Latrobe University Bendigo with my Diploma of Teaching I worked part time at Kaliana Special Development School and Girton Grammar School before accepting full time employment at Girton Grammar School in 1996. During this first year of employment I completed my Bachelor of Education through Deakin University Geelong.
What I Love about Teaching
I love the fun and the engagement with students and colleagues. The challenges and the rewards. Teaching has been a lifelong career choice that has opened many doors and pathways.
What is the best thing about teaching at Girton?
The best thing about teaching at Girton is the relationships created over many years. This pertains to both students and colleagues. A moment to treasure is always when an old Girtonian who you have taught takes the time to contact you, years after they have left Girton.
Most recently my role in developing relationships between YALE University and Girton Grammar School and developing The RULER approach at Girton Grammar School has been a very rewarding challenge.
What do you like best about the year level you teach?
Year Four is a Year level of substantial personal growth. Students grow from the foundation years of their learning to use independence, initiative and organisation daily.
What do students enjoy most about the Year Level?
My perception of this year level is that students are totally engrossed in developing their independence for learning. We aim to foster this throughout the year in social, emotional and learning contexts. Developing student abilities to become lifelong learners is a key focus for Year Four educators.
My favourite classroom activity
I thoroughly enjoy providing engaging activities for students. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student totally engrossed in their learning and searching for more. I enjoy relating my teaching and learning experiences with my students so that they can see the path they are on is well worn and is a road that can be navigated together.
By fostering a sense of learning that is shared in a classroom you can take students with you in directions they need to go.
I am always modelling my own learning along the journey with students.
What difference can good teaching make?
Simply believing in a child can work wonders for their development! Good teachers go beyond their subject and focus on the whole child.
Describe the traits of a successful student in your subject or class.
Relationships are the key. You get to the head through the heart! A successful student in Year Four is engaged, confident and developing a skill set around Emotional Intelligence.
What attributes of your own do you hope your students benefit from?
My work at YALE in 2011 has provided my students with many rich opportunities in the area of emotional Intelligence.
Other Hats
In the Junior School I’ve taught and coached Football, Netball, Cricket, Soccer and Basketball. Currently I coach girls basketball.
What are your passions or hobbies outside of work?
Family Time
