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 started teaching at Thomas Hassall Anglican College in 2005 which makes this my 22nd year here. I am a TAS teacher and focus mostly on manual arts based subjects. This aligned well having completed a Certificate III in Cabinetmaking. More recently I trained as a VET Construction teacher and am now helping stage 6 students in my role as the VET Coordinator.
What do you love about teaching at Thomas Hassall?
My greatest joy in teaching is giving students an opportunity to find a skill, or talent, or interest and helping them to develop their capacity in that area, and possibly even make a career of it.
What I love about Thomas Hassall is that it doesn’t try to hide students from the world, but encourages them to develop a Christian worldview and helps to give them the tools to stand strong in their Christian faith and influence those around them.
What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?
I own an industrial sewing machine. I bought it when I wanted to make a canvas cover for my box trailer. Since then it has been very useful for making canvas products like camping equipment and storage bags for my 4wd. I also tan my own leather for making leather goods.
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing?
My favourite place to be is somewhere quiet in front of a campfire. I would probably be travelling Australia in my 4wd finding short blocks of work as a farmer or builder.
Do you have a favourite Bible verse?
As a father and husband I recognise the importance of stewardship I carry for my family. Therefore I love the message in Joshua 24:15 “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Share a learning moment that has brought you joy recently.
Last week the Year 12 Construction classes had an incursion day where they completed 2 concrete projects. A 6m2 pad to facilitate drainage of water across a path, this used 60 premixed concrete bags and a mixer. The other was a 27m2 footpath with 4m3 delivered in a truck. All students had a successful day and learned a lot about how hard a full day of work can be.
What is your role at the College and how long have you been here?
I am a Learning Enrichment Innovator in our Junior School and work with the TAS department in Senior School. My role involves supporting innovative teaching and learning across K to 12, particularly in STEM, digital technologies and inclusive education.
I joined the College in Semester 2, 2025, as a consultant one day a week, and at the beginning of 2026, I became a permanent part of the team. I have enjoyed working with both students and staff to create engaging learning experiences, both in the classroom and as co-curricular programs. I also head up the after-school STEM Robotics program for Years 7 to 9.
What do you love about teaching at Thomas Hassall?
I love helping students discover that they are capable of more than they thought possible. Whether it is building a robot, solving a problem, creating something new or overcoming a challenge, those moments of growth are incredibly rewarding. At Thomas Hassall, I appreciate the strong sense of community, the willingness to innovate, and the genuine care shown for students and staff.
What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?
Many people know me through STEM and robotics, but they might be surprised to learn that I am also a rope skipping coach and have helped students represent Australia at six World Championships. I love seeing young people develop confidence and resilience both inside and outside the classroom. Learning should be “hard fun”.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?
I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in Year 3. But if I couldn’t be a teacher, I would probably be working in educational technology, innovation or product design - finding ways to use technology to solve real-world problems and help people learn or an astronaut.
Do you have a favourite Bible verse?
My favourite Bible verses are Jeremiah 29:11 and Joshua 1:9. Together, they remind me that God has a plan and purpose for our lives and that we can face challenges with courage because He is always with us. These verses have guided me through many opportunities and changes throughout my personal and teaching journey.
Share a learning moment that has brought you joy recently.
Recently, I watched a group of students spend weeks refining a robotics solution that wasn't working as they had hoped. Through perseverance, teamwork and problem-solving, they eventually achieved success. Seeing their excitement and pride reminded me that some of the most valuable learning happens when students embrace challenges and keep going when things get difficult. I have travelled internationally with student robotics and rope-skipping teams, but I still get excited every time when students see their robot successfully follow a line for the first time!
