Five Minutes with Ms Durham

Do you collect anything? 

No, I don’t, but I probably own too many clothes that I need to get rid of every year.

Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which one?

No, I don’t. I wish I had played the piano, though. I was never very musical – more sporty – but my twin sister is more musically inclined.

How long have you worked at BSC?

This is my fifth year here.

How many languages do you speak?

Just English and a little bit of Japanese from school.

If you could choose to be anything for a day, what would it be?

Maybe a surfboard, because I'd get to experience the water, waves and outdoors every day. Even though I don’t surf, I think it would be very nice to experience that.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I would eat pasta—any kind of pasta. I prefer plant-based, so something like a lentil bolognaise or pesto pasta.

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you’ve never been, where would you go?

Probably Japan, for the culture and food. I think that would be epic.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?

I’d like to be really fast at running, like the little boy in 'The Incredibles'. I used to do a lot of running when I was younger, so it would’ve been great to beat everyone.

Is there anyone who has influenced you as a teacher? In what way?

I had Mr Bartlett as a PE teacher when I was at Mentone Girls Secondary. He was such a great teacher and gave me really great feedback as a student. Seeing him again here felt like a sign that I should apply for a job at this school. 

Tell us about your family.

I have two sisters, one of whom is my twin. We are very different but we are the best of friends. I'm also very close to my parents and love spending time with them. As for my newer little family, it's growing, but currently of my partner and our dog, Toby.

What book/TV series/podcasts are you into at the moment?

At the moment, I'm watching1993, the prequel to Yellowstone. It’s a really great series. I also recently read The Housemaid, which was a good read. I like mystery-type books. 

What has been a highlight of your time at BSC?

There have probably been two main highlights. First, having a GOAL group for the last four years and getting to know them really well and watching them grow. I can’t wait to see them all graduate. Another highlight has been working with the staff; everyone is amazing to work with and very kind.

What is your favourite animal and why?

Dogs, because I have my dog Toby, a 9-year-old blue heeler. He’s the big baby of the house.

What is your favourite movie?

My favourite movie is the first Avatar. I just loved it—it’s about nature and the environment, but with action, which is great!

What is your favourite music?

Taylor Swift! I always come back to her.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play?

I love watching footy, and I barrack for the Sydney Swans. I also love playing basketball.

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax?

Making pasta for dinner, sitting on the couch, watching a good series with my partner, and cuddling up with my dog, Toby.

What is your role at the school?

I’m a Healthy Lifestyles and Business Management teacher, and I was the Head of House last year.

What was your favourite subject at school?

Health and PE.

What would you sing at karaoke night?

Probably Believe by Cher. It’s a good classic song.

What’s your most fond childhood memory?

Ooh, that’s hard to say, but probably sharing a room with my sister growing up. We would spend the night just chatting. 

Who would you like to swap places with for the day?

Taylor Swift. That would be really cool.

Thanks, Ms Durham! 

Interview by Lara K (Year 9) & Oliver P (Year 10)