Staff Spotlight

At Ceci Hills High School, we have some of the smartest and supportive people on our team -  but in addition, our staff members have a wide array of hobbies, talents, and interests that make them truly unique.  

Our Staff Spotlight series continues. This Q&A aims to introduce our community to the clever, creative and talented Cecil team.

Tell us your name and how long you've been at Cecil

I'm Matt Evans and I have been at Cecil Hills High School 

for two and a half years.

How long have you been teaching and what subjects do you teach 

I have been teaching for 25 years - PDHPE.

Your roles and what they entail

I am a PDHPE teacher and also a Senior coordinator - working as part of the Careers team helping students with senior school work and transitioning students into the workforce or different pathways for study.

Have you taught at other schools? If so, what did you teach?

Previous to Cecil Hills High School, I was the Head Teacher PDHPE at Lumen Christi Catholic College in Pambula (Far South Coast of NSW).  I was also the Sports Coordinator for K-12 students.

Where did you attend school?

My father was in the Police Force so we moved around a lot when I was growing up. I finished high school at Moree Technology High School, but previous to that I attended Goulburn High School and Macintyre High School (Inverell) -  all country towns. 

What do you like doing when you aren't working?

My time these days is driving my three children to their sporting events. They are all active and every day is another training session or a game. I love seeing them active and participating in sport.  As a PDHPE teacher, I really enjoy coaching my children (soccer, oz-tag) and watching them achieve success. If I have a spare hour, I love to get out on the golf course and play a few holes. Back when my body wasn't breaking down, I played rugby league and AFL.

Who are your favourite sports teams?

Favourite rugby league team - Parramatta; AFL - Sydney Swans.

I will watch any sport that on TV, but really enjoy watching my children play sport.

Do you have a favourite quote 

I have a couple of favourite quotes: 

 "Happy Days" and  

"Feel the fear and do it anyway"

How about your favourite movie?

Caddyshack is the best movie!

How do you define success?

Success to me is doing what you love and surrounding yourself with people you love and respect. 

Success in the workplace for me is seeing students achieve something they thought impossible. 

Success at home is being with my family, laughing, and enjoying seeing our children grow and develop.

What advice can you give students? 

Everything you do  - give 100%.  Have a growth mindset and never settle for "that will do". Push the boundaries, push your boundaries and reach for the stars. 

If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?

Anyone with enough influence or money to get a round of golf at Augusta National!

Any random facts you wish to share? or special memories?

My five favourite memories are (in no particular order), getting married, watching the birth of my three children and representing my country in Rugby League.

If Hollywood made a movie about you, who would you like to see cast as you?

Bradley Cooper.