Welcome to The Staffroom Series, a new feature where we introduce you to some of our teachers and support staff across the College.
Through this series, we will learn a little more about their roles and get to know the people behind the work they do each day.
What is your role at the College and how long have you been here?
Maths teacher. I have been here since 2018, it’s my 9th year this year.
What do you love about teaching at Thomas Hassall?
I love seeing students develop confidence in Mathematics, particularly when they are actively solving problems and engaging with meaningful challenges. It is deeply rewarding to share my passion for Maths and to watch students grow in their curiosity, perseverance and mathematical thinking.
What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?
I get a lot of parenting tips from Instagram.
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing?
Forensic accountant or a management consultant.
Do you have a favourite Bible verse?
John 3:30 - He must become greater; I must become less.
Share a learning moment that has brought you joy recently.
Watching my Year 9 students work collaboratively on trigonometry problems, actively using whiteboards and windows to share ideas, test strategies and refine their thinking.
What is your role at the College and how long have you been here?
My current role is a Learning Enrichment Assistant. I started at Thomas Hassall on 28 April 2008 as a Prep assistant and have been here for 18 years.
What do you love about teaching at Thomas Hassall?
I love seeing the students grow and mature, from Prep to Year 12. Some still have the same face, just older, while others have changed completely. Students are constantly making me smile and warming my heart. I also love the culture of the College, which is God centred and very supportive.
What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?
I have 4 sisters and 3 brothers and I have 3 sons. My 2 chickens, which have been on strike for many years, live in my backyard.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?
Helping others, perhaps in my church or in an aged care facility.
Do you have a favourite Bible verse?
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10.
Share a learning moment that has brought you joy recently.
I was in a reading group on Wednesday and one of the students kept bobbing up and down saying, “I know the answer, I know the answer.” Another student from a different grade was able to correctly pronounce a tricky word that they had been working on for quite a few lessons. I love the effort that both of these students are putting into great learning.
What is your role at the College and how long have you been here?
My role is Enrolments for the Junior School and I have been at Thomas Hassall for 11 years.
What do you love about working at Thomas Hassall?
Many things. Being in a Christian environment, having the freedom to be with people in my role and being able to interact and build relationships. I also love the team I work with and the relationships I have built over the years.
What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?
I have a heart condition that requires me to have a pacemaker. This has been a huge blessing in giving me a normal life.
If you weren’t in enrolments, what would you be doing?
At the College, Enrolments is the perfect role for me. If it was outside of education, I love medicine and almost went down that path years ago. I have always enjoyed sports medicine and physiotherapy.
Do you have a favourite Bible verse?
Matthew is my favourite book in the Bible. Matthew 19:26 says, “Jesus looked at them and said, with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Share a moment in your role that has brought you joy recently.
Recently, I have received compliments from many families for their experience on tours, either on tour or in interviews. Having them tell me they felt heard and that their experience was wonderful makes me very happy. Having children interact, hold my hand and hug me when they meet me makes me love what I do.
