- Who was your favourite teacher and why?
My favourite Primary School teacher was my Grade 6 teacher, Miss White. I remember that she always made me smile. She loved to give us hugs and she always made me feel like I was clever! She always told jokes and made us laugh! She definitely inspired me and motivated me to want to be a teacher who makes children feel special and proud of themselves.
- What was your favourite subject at school?
Definitely English and Literature. I actually really enjoyed writing essays, believe it or not!
- What childhood activity do you wish you could do now?
Being involved in a school musical. I played Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables in my high school’s version of the musical and it was an incredible experience! I wish I could pretend to be a child again and join the Annie cast! I can only dream!
- What did you want to be when you were small?
I’ve wanted to be a teacher ever since I can remember. True story!
- What was your first job?
I worked at Fergusson Plarre in Eltham for 4 years while I was at University.
- Why did you want to become a teacher?
I wanted to be a teacher so that I could inspire and motivate children to love learning and the process of learning. Each year my goal is to create a safe, fun and happy learning environment where children are not afraid of making mistakes. My favourite saying is, “making mistakes is how you learn!” I also like fostering and building team spirit, empathy and positive relationships. I hope students walk away from a year with me feeling confident in themselves and in their journey as a learner.
- What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
Seeing my students experience those special ‘ah ha!’ moments and seeing their confidence blossom.
- Which children’s movie do you still love today?
Which children’s movie don’t I love? I am a big kid at heart! My favourite movies are still the Disney classics!
- What school event are you most looking forward to this year?
Christmas Carols! I love the sense of community and family! The evening is such a celebration of a great year at school. I love to sing along to the carols too!
- How would your friends describe you?
I think my friends would say that I like to laugh and make others laugh. They would probably say that my jokes are daggy and that I laugh at myself!
- Do you have any hobbies?
I have ridden horses all my life. I used to compete seriously in Dressage with my horse Rex. Now I just ride for fun!
- What is your favourite band/musician? What is your favourite song of theirs?
I love listening to Ed Sheeran.
- What are you most thankful for?
My family who I love very much. A big mention to my new sister in law – Mrs Sarah McFarlane. With 3 older brothers, I feel pretty lucky to now have a new sister!
- What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
I have a phobia of icy pole sticks. I have worked out that it stems from doctors using wooden sticks on your tongue when you have a sore throat. It makes the hairs stand up on my neck….
- What is on your bucket list?
To travel more – a big trip to Europe would definitely be high on the cards!
- If you weren’t a teacher, what would you do instead?
I have never thought of that answer because this is where I want to be!