Life before Girton
I attended Girton in my secondary school years and have a Bachelor of Arts (Humanities) from La Trobe University, Bendigo. I also have qualifications in counselling and youth work. I have worked in St Kilda with homeless and drug addicted young people and also with the Anglican Church as a Regional Youth Officer. I worked as a Course Advisor at La Trobe University, Bendigo before gaining my teaching qualification and enjoyed several years working as Chaplin at Girton.
What I Love about Teaching
The two things I love about teaching is forming relationships with students and providing the best role model I can for them. I also love engaging in teaching and learning as a two way process, learning as much from them as they do from me.
The best thing about teaching at Girton is working with supportive and fun loving staff and being immersed in the culture of the school.
What do you like best about the subject/s you teach?
I love teaching English because there is so much scope to explore the unexpected and think deeply about issues. I like making connections with English and everyday life, trying to make it more accessible and achievable by relating it with real life and the classroom. I love teaching Religious Education because of the richness of Christian tradition and, again, the connections that can be made from messages contained in stories and events from long ago, to lessons we can learn today.
What difference can good teaching make?
Good teaching can instil a love of learning and increase self-confidence. It can open doors to new ways of seeing and approaching a variety of situations.
Other Hats
I’m involved in the Debating co-curricular activity and the Girton Community Action Group (GCAG). I’m a registered Civil Celebrant and enjoy working casually in hospitality. I enjoy being with my family and pottering on our piece of land at Sedgwick. I particularly love our geese!
