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 a Secondary teacher, teaching History and Geography in the HSIE (Human Society and its Environment) faculty. I have been at Thomas Hassall since 2024, so this is my third year here now!
What do you love about teaching at Thomas Hassall?
I love helping students get 'the big picture' of the story God is writing through History and in the natural world.
I love that Thomas Hassall as a College supports students to discover and develop the skills and talents they've been given to better serve not only themselves but their community.
What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?
In my free time, I love reading poetry and writing music. I believe the written word, especially when put to music, can be so helpful in giving people language for what they are thinking and feeling. My own life has been so deeply impacted by the gift of poetry and music, and I just love participating in this creative process myself. If you know any good poems or have been listening to any good new music recently, please come and share it with me - I love discovering new poems and music!
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing?
If I wasn't a teacher and if I could start over with the knowledge that I have today, I think I would have pursued midwifery. I love the idea of supporting the health, safety and dignity of mothers and babies during pregnancy, childbirth and the early stages of life. I think providing medical care and emotional guidance to women throughout the birthing process is such an important and necessary area in strengthening family wellbeing and maintaining a healthy society. I would have loved to be a midwife and help women as they give life to future generations.
Do you have a favourite Bible verse?
My favourite Bible verse is Psalm 27:4, which reads "One thing I ask from The Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of The Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of The Lord and to seek Him in His temple."
This has been my favourite Bible verse since I was in Year 3 and it has become an anchor for my soul through good and bad days. Reminding myself of this verse always brings such comfort to my heart and reminds me of my life's purpose.
Share a learning moment that has brought you joy recently.
This term in my Year 9 Extreme History class we have been studying historical films and how history is constructed and conveyed through different film techniques. Recently, students have been given a chance in class to research, plan, write and create their own historical films based on a major historical event of their choosing. Seeing students be creative in their choices of how to present history in a way that is historically accurate but also entertaining for a mass audience has been so exciting! I think we may have some future screenwriters and film directors in our midst here at the College!
What is your role at the College and how long have you been here?
I am the Science lab assistant, and I have been blessed to work here at Thomas Hassall for 21 years.
What do you love about teaching at Thomas Hassall?
I love the College spaces and working with the wonderful, dedicated staff. I love being part of students' learning in their environment and I love being enveloped in God’s love every day.
What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?
I am an identical twin, and my twin sister also works at the College.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?
I would be baking up some delicious treats for family, friends and those in need.
Do you have a favourite Bible verse?
One of my favourites - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6.
Share a learning moment that has brought you joy recently.
I just love observing students complete a science practical and seeing them proud, happy and smiling with what they have learnt and achieved.
What is your role at the College and how long have you been here?
I am a Junior School Learning Enrichment Assistant. I started at Thomas Hassall as a casual staff member in 2023.
What do you love about working at Thomas Hassall?
My previous workplace was a large office in Sydney’s CBD where there was little opportunity to speak openly about my faith. Working at Thomas Hassall has been such a blessing because I can openly share my faith, pray with students and staff and talk about Jesus every day. Being part of a Christ-centred community is incredibly special.
What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?
I own two pygmy bearded dragons named Cloud and Aerith.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?
I would probably still be working in an office or finding another way to support and encourage children.
Do you have a favourite Bible verse?
I have so many! But I have recently loved reading from Lamentations 3:
22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
Share a moment in your role that has brought you joy recently.
As a Learning Enrichment Assistant, there are so many wonderful moments in my work. Recently, a student became overwhelmed by a mathematics concept and said, “This is so hard! I’ll never get it.” We worked through the task together and before we had even finished his worksheet, he smiled and said, “Thanks, Mrs Tashman. I don’t need you anymore!” What a win! Seeing students grow in confidence and finding enjoyment in their learning is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.