Staff in the Spotlight 

With so many staff joining our team this year, we would like to give our school community the opportunity to get to know our new teachers in a fun way. Each week we will be spotlighting a new staff member and sharing with you all sorts of fun and interesting stories about who they are and most importantly, why they became a teacher and what they love most about teaching! 

This week we are spotlighting Mitzi Flandez.

Mitzi joined our staff at the beginning of the year and has been a wonderful addition to our Art and Technology Team. This term is a particularly busy one for Mitzi as she is part of the team putting together our extravagant 2022 Yearbook and, of course, she is part of our highly talented and creative team who are hosting the Art and Tech Showcase next month.

How long have you been teaching?

A little under one year (11 months)

What school/university or organisation have you come from?

Deakin University

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I decided on teaching as a profession so I could share what I love (Art). When I moved to Australia back in 2010, I couldn't speak English well which made me feel very isolated in the classroom. Going into Art was like being in a sanctuary because I was able to express myself and connect with everyone around me without needing to speak the same language. I hope to do the same as what my art teachers have done for me and provide others with meaningful experiences such as this.

What do you love most about teaching?

What I love most about teaching is being in a dynamic/helpful working environment. In particular, the Art and Technology Department have made my first year out of university fruitful and everyone took the time to offer support amidst all the chaos. I also love sharing an 'environment’ with Food Tech because of the occasional free food.

What are three things you would like your students to know about you?

• I love cats, I have a very cute ragdoll named "Huey" who I am trying to make Instagram famous. 
• I love spicy food, I love going out to restaurants and discovering to see the spiciest food that exists out there.
• I love playing volleyball, it’s my #1 sport and I could play it for hours on end.

If you could wear Harry's invisibility cloak for one day, where would you go and what would you do?

I would sneak into KFC to try and find the secret recipe for their herbs and spices. I'd head to as many theatres as possible and get the best seat in the house to watch Musicals.

What is the one piece of 'advice' or the one thing that you always say to your students?

Always challenge yourself to face uncomfortable situations because they are moments that help you grow the most.