Staff Introductions

We would like to welcome our latest members of staff:

Coming from down South as the son of a Vet, I wanted to be a teacher ever since my time in secondary school. I had some fantastic teachers that taught me how important an engaged and creative teacher can be in a student’s learning, including South Oakleigh’s own STEM learning specialist Steven Kuric. Following my graduation from high school I completed my Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, majoring in disease biotechnology so I would be able to work for my father for a time while going on with my masters.

 After graduating with my master's last year, I began teaching at South Oakleigh this January and have been thoroughly enjoying my time both teaching and learning from the staff and students present. My tenure here has already given me ample opportunities to discuss and workshop ideas involving engaging maths with real-world situations with the many fantastic teachers here who have already helped me in innumerable ways. I look forward to developing my teaching skills here at South Oakleigh College, and am striving to give all students who come to a firm grounding in their maths and science skillset.

Samuel Battaglene

Maths Teacher

Name: Rowan Presland

Classes Teaching in 2023: Science and VCE Biology

Last Place I was working/studying: Mount Roskill Grammar School (New Zealand)

Fun Fact/Best Thing You’ve Learnt: My favourite fun fact is that cows have best friends, I find this idea incredibly wholesome.

What inspired you to become a teacher: Before teaching I worked a lot with young people through volunteering for an organisation called CISV, I also really enjoy learning about Science and Biology. Being a teacher is the perfect job for me as I get to work with young people and talk about Science and Biology all day.

What are you looking most forward to this year? Getting to meet all my new students and having the opportunity to learn from my colleagues at South Oakleigh College.