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?
I am the Coordinator of Operations - Senior School, so my role is supporting the day to day running of the Senior School. This involves managing staff absence and cover, room changes, events, excursions and planning for any activity that may happen in the senior school outside of our normal timetabled routine.
What do you love about teaching at Thomas Hassall?
As I only teach VET in Years 11 and 12 these days, it is great to see students make the link between College and being ready for the ‘big bad world’. Some of the most rewarding times are when students return a year later and tell me all the stories of what they are doing in their career, and how the support and systems we taught them here at College have prepared them so well for their futures.
What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?
I was once, a high level soccer referee, competing and coming second in the national titles before injury ended my career early.
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing?
This is always a hard one to answer. I love music and live events, so would probably be working in that field, although it is very difficult area to manage a family/work life balance. Otherwise I would be working somewhere in sport, either as a coach or sport management.
Do you have a favourite Bible verse?
Isaiah 30:15 where the Lord states “In repentances and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength”. I find it very reminding that we are strength through our faith. We don't need the noise of the world to help us manage any situation.
Share a learning moment that has brought you joy recently.
I did a practical task recently with one of my classes. A student who has many identified learning challenges was getting right into the lesson, and very quickly extended himself beyond the level I expected of anyone. In such a short period of time, he had excelled so far that he was able to then go and support the rest of the class as they tried to grasp the concept, with them all welcomingly seeking his assistance. It was such a great moment to see a student achieve when he so regularly has setbacks, and, the connection that was drawn between him and his peers which doesn’t normally come naturally.
What is your role at the College and how long have you been here?
I am a member of the Junior School Learning Enrichment team. I started out as a parent helper during 2011. I was then employed as a casual employee in 2012 and become a full time employee in 2013.
What do you love about teaching at Thomas Hassall?
In my role as a Learning Enrichment Assistant, I work with students in the lower grades, teaching them Literacy and Maths. I enjoy watching them strive and show an enthusiasm to learn and better themselves each day. I also cherish the feeling of community/family that Thomas Hassall gives me.
What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?
I love to read! I love that a book can take me on an adventure or to a far away country and that I can live this journey in my mind. I love listening to Country music and will often have a CD (yes, I'm old school) playing in the background while I am cooking or sewing.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?
If I wasn't a Learning Enrichment Assistant, I would probably still be a Pharmacy Manager. I enjoy helping people and I felt my time had moved from health to education.
Do you have a favourite Bible verse?
He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge
Psalms 91:4
Share a learning moment that has brought you joy recently.
As part of one of the Literacy programs that I teach, I was thrilled to see some of my students catch up with their class peers with their words per minute read. When I shared this information with them, the smiles on their faces made my job teaching them feel rather special!
What is your role at the College and how long have you been here?
I have been at Thomas Hassall Anglican College for just over 10 years and throughout this time, I have worked as the Junior School Administrative Assistant.
What do you love about working at Thomas Hassall?
One of the great benefits is to be able to work in a Christian College. To be able to work alongside people who share the same faith is such a blessing. I really enjoy supporting the Junior School teachers and assisting in our Admin office. I feel very fortunate to work alongside my husband, Angelo and my daughter Natalie, who is a teacher in the PDHPE department. It truly makes Thomas Hassall a very special place.
What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?
Some of you may know that I like baking cakes from my Croatian heritage, including Strudla (strudel), Krafna (donuts) and other little cakes. I also really enjoy making scented candles for family and friends. I enjoy creating and making things, as it brings me great joy, especially when I can share it with others.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?
I did start my working life in the banking sector and if I didn’t get made redundant back in the day, I would’ve probably still been working for the bank. I did consider being an air hostess (because I was tall) but didn’t go down that path.
Do you have a favourite Bible verse?
Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. I love this verse as it is the foundation of what I believe is by understanding that salvation cannot be earnt but it is by his grace we are saved.
I also love this verse; Ephesians 2.10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Share a moment in your role that has brought you joy recently.
Is helping teachers with tasks for the Junior school. When they are grateful and appreciative of the support I’ve provided, it makes me feel valued and happy. It’s rewarding to know that the small things I do can make their day a little easier.
