Meet a Staff Member

10 minutes with…. 

Ms Hannah Spelic 

Art and Psychology Teacher

 1. Tell us a little about your life outside of teaching/working? Eg. Family, hobbies. Passions 

I have a great passion for getting outdoors, away from Melbourne, to hike and explore new areas around Victoria and interstate. Over the summer break, I traveled to Tasmania, where Cradle Mountain was definitely a highlight for me. When I am hiking, I love to use my trusty Canon, and I often find surprises when I process my film rolls; I always forget what I shoot on the trips. Back home, I am also enjoying using my pottery wheel in my studio, practicing new forms and shapes for functional wares.

2. How did you end up teaching/ working at Marian College?

Since graduating from university, I have been involved with the Catholic Education System (I was drawn to it as being a former student of the Presentation and Josephite Sisters). However, 2024 marks my second year at Marian College and I eagerly jumped at the opportunity to teach here after hearing past students and educators raving about the college in conversation. It has been lovely to continue building my relationships within the Marian community this year and experiencing the opportunity to be more involved, as I have a homeroom with the 9/10s. 

3. What do you like most about teaching/working at Marian College?

I really enjoy the fact that every day is different, and there are so many events within the school year that bring students (and me) a lot of fun - I never know what sort of surprises are going to pop up each day. I often find myself laughing throughout the day, given the many bizarre stories and circumstances from the diverse personalities in just one classroom alone. I am also very thankful for my Psychology and DAT teams as they provide incredible support and inspiration for me.

4. What are the biggest challenges facing teachers today?

I believe the biggest challenge for educators is maintaining a healthy balance outside of the teaching day. It can be very tempting to spend hours preparing for a lesson or marking SACs after school. However, if we are burnt out and not resting to fill our cup, how can we be the best educators and support the needs of our Marian Girls? Luckily, as mentioned, there are great supports within my teams and this pressure is not always so intense - feeling lucky.

5. What are the biggest challenges facing teenage girls today?

There are so many challenges to overcome when progressing through secondary school. Personally, I feel the pressures of the online world and social media are far greater than what I experienced as a teen myself. It is unbelievably easy to edit/change/portray a life that isn't real and fool unsuspecting onlookers, who then compare themselves!

6. Favourite food & drink?

It is not uncommon to see me with a coffee cup; I think students and my team are suspecting it runs in my veins at this point. That being said, a sweet GF treat goes a long way as well!

7. Favourite holiday destination?

Definitely the Croatian coastline; it is great to travel back to where my family originates.

8. Favourite TV show & Movie?

I really love film and television. A classic choice for me is any psychological thriller/drama or biopic film. At the moment, I have been re-watching The Office and Seinfeld.

9. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?

I definitely think I would still be involved with supporting adolescents and their well-being, as it is what brought me to teaching. Perhaps continuing with my studies in Psychological Science and pursuing a role as a Clinical Psychologist 

10. Which 5 people in history would you like to invite to a dinner party?

Great question! I would definitely choose all members of ABBA and my late Nanna Anna to have one last final boogie together after dinner.