MEET THE TEAM @ SCSC
Year 8 Office
Each fortnight we will feature mini staff bios to help our community get to know more about the dedicated staff team we have at Surf Coast Secondary College. This week we have our Year 8 Office.
Tom McLoughlan
What did you do before teaching?
After school I moved interstate to study teaching at Adelaide Uni. Prior to getting my teaching qualification I did some work on farms, a local RSL club and even McDonald’s.
What subjects do you teach?
I teach English and Humanities at Year 8.
Why do you love working at SCSC?
I love working at Surf Coast because it is the most collaborative environment I’ve ever been a part of. Whenever there’s something to be done around here, it feels like everyone’s pulling in the same direction, and that’s a wonderful feeling.
Megan Wyatt
What did you do before teaching?
I’ve been teaching for 12 years. Before I was a teacher I was at Uni & working full time.
What subjects do you teach?
English, Humanities & Outdoor Ed. Last year I taught Maths & Science, which was great fun.
Why do you love working at SCSC?
I love our innovation and commitment to trialling new things. I love our school staff culture. I love our community & the support they give us. Mostly I love the students. They laugh with (and at) us everyday. It’s great to watch them grow from young people into amazing adults.
Tom Butler
What did you do before teaching?
Worked at RACV golf club part time whilst studying.
What subjects do you teach?
Maths, science and PE.
Why do you love working at SCSC?
Adaptable school with great staff and students that’s close to home.
Tim Mawdsley
What did you do before teaching?
While I was at uni I worked at my cousins Lolly Shop in Lygon St, Carlton.
What subjects do you teach?
I currently teach Year 8 FUSE (Maths and Science), Yr 8 Digitech and Yr 9 Asian Studies. I have previously taught a wide variety of subjects ranging from VCE to primary levels and at different school settings including Hospital Schools, Special needs schools and Mainstream schools.
Why do you love working at SCSC?
I love working at SCSC because of the staff and students. Everyone is friendly and helpful and enjoy learning with a positive attitude.
Julia Kent
What did you do before teaching?
I was a marine biologist.
What subjects do you teach?
Year 8 FUSE (Maths and Science), Year 11 Chemistry
Why do you love working at SCSC?
I love the good vibes, laughter, and the amazing staff and students I get to see every day. I like being surrounded by people that genuinely care and want to make a difference.
Maddison Panozzo
What did you do before teaching?
I worked at a summer camp in Canada on my gap year, then worked in retail whilst completing my degree in Environments and then Masters of Teaching qualification.
What subjects do you teach?
I teach Humanities and English, my favourite school activity is Geography fieldwork.
Why do you love working at SCSC?
The community at Surf Coast are really supportive. Often I’m not sure if staff and students are laughing at me or with me, but it doesn’t matter as we’re having a good time. I moved to the Surf Coast Secondary College last year and felt really welcomed by my colleagues and the students had excellent suggestions of where to eat out and things to do.
Olivia Butterworth
What did you do before teaching?
Before teaching, I studied a degree in Exercise Science and Secondary Teaching at university. Whilst studying at uni I had a job at Woolworths. A strong passion of mine is Education in developing countries. Before becoming a teacher I spent a lot of time in Africa, developing educational programs. I am still working on developing projects over there.
What subjects do you teach?
I teach year 11 Psychology and Year 8 FUSE.
Why do you love working at SCSC?
I love teaching at SCSC because of the sense of community amongst the staff, students and families. All the staff are great to work with and super supportive.
James Darke
What did you do before teaching?
I was a Uni student and had a part time job as a pool lifeguard. The last two years I have been living and teaching in London, whilst traveling to different countries in Europe.
What subjects do you teach?
I teach Maths/Science in FUSE, Digitech, computing and I am also qualified to teach PE as well.
Why do you love working at SCSC?
Because the people, the staff and the students are great and it is easy to relate and work with people from your home town!
Sheridan Graham
What did you do before teaching?
Study! I was one of those people who went from school- to uni- back to school. However, along the way I worked in a café, supermarket, deli and a kindergarten (this experience nearly turned me off teaching!)
What subjects do you teach?
English and Humanities.
Why do you love working at SCSC?
The laughs. Whether it be because of the antics of the students or the staff, at some point each day I always end up having a laugh. Remote learning actually made me realise how much I love these moments in my day. As corny as it may be, I look forward to be being back with both students and my Year 8 team... no matter how distracting some members may be!
Katrina Simpson
What role do you have at SCSC?
I am in the Year 8 area supporting students and staff in the classroom.
What do you like about working at SCSC?
Working at SCSC is so much fun. The staff, students and community are a very supportive cohort. Every day is a different day. It is a pleasure watching the students grow into themselves and decide what type of people they want to become.
What other professional roles did you have before working at SCSC?
I have had a variety of professional roles prior to working at SCSC. I have been with the Education Department for over 30 years. Other roles were pastry cook, swimming teacher/coach, gym/aerobic/hydrotherapy instructor, lifeguard, leisure centre manager, psychiatric nurse, community welfare, community liaison, community development and counsellor.