Five Fun Facts!
Meet Marvellous Mariah & Enigmatic Elly!
Of these two wonderful FPS staff members, who is the cat person and who is the dog person? Which one has been sky diving... and just who is our 'Dessert Queen'?
Mariah Moshis
Year 3 Teacher Mariah is known for her friendly smile, sunny disposition and always giving 110%. We love it when she is rostered on for staff room morning tea...
Do you have a pet? Are you a cat or a dog person?
I have two cats. Bella, who is 12 years old and her son, Niko, who is 10 years old. I have always been a cat person. Growing up we always had a pet cat at home. I’ve also had a budgie, a mouse and a fighting fish as a pet! Even though I’m a cat person, I still very much love dogs too. But cats will always be number one forever!!
What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
I enjoy going for long walks, especially through the bush or on mountain trails, so that’s something I would definitely do in spring or summer. I also love catching up with my friends and seeing my family but on the other hand, I thoroughly enjoy down time by myself!
What are your hobbies, and how did you get into them?
I’ve always loved baking! I like practising recipes until I feel like I have perfected them. I enjoy cooking in general, but desserts have always been a specialty of mine. Last year in lockdown, I learnt how to make macarons, which was a big challenge for me. I think I’ve gotten a lot better at making them, although they don’t consistently turn out right. It just gives me an excuse to keep making them!
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
100%, definitely would be sushi! Or any Japanese food for that matter. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I absolutely love sushi. In fact, I have said many times that if I could eat sushi every day, I would! My favourites would definitely be sashimi and takoyaki.
What's one thing that can instantly make your day better?
What I’ve learnt recently is that no matter what type of day I have had, talking to my fantastic colleagues, friends or family, always cheers me up. There’s just something about having a laugh and knowing that people are there for you that instantly improves your mood!
Elly Armagos
Elly is one of our expert aides who likes a challenge, a good book... and cheese!
What's one thing that can instantly make your day better?
My dog, Fox, who is a beagle cross bloodhound. He is a big lump of adorable, rapscallion joy who always makes his opinion known. Fox is my trusty sidekick; he makes me laugh with his daily antics, takes me on epic adventures and gives the best hugs.
Do you have any phobias?
Unexpectedly, I recently discovered I have Anemomenophobia: a fear of wind turbines. The imposing, alien structures induce in me an irrational and powerful feeling of abstract threat. I have no idea why.
What gives you joy?
I'm most myself when in the outdoors surrounded by trees and exploring country. I also love pushing my limits mentally and physically through extreme sports. To date I have tackled rock climbing, bungee jumping, caving, sky diving and white water rafting on the Nile.
What is your memorable overseas experience?
Two years working in Uganda in Youth Work and Community Development. I lived in a village with no electricity or running water, where many in the community had never seen a white person. Meals included grasshoppers and white ants, with vervet monkeys for neighbours. I walked in the divine heat alongside luscious greenery to collect my water from the bore hole. Life was at times severe and confronting, but ultimately pure and enchanting.
What do you do when at home?
I slip into my moccos and robe, stand at the fridge eating a wheel of cheese like a sandwich, then sit down with a Dostoevsky novel... if Fox will let me.