Harriet Smitheram

Introducing Harriet Smitheram who will be teaching Humanities and English as an Additional Language.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

My own high school teachers were the greatest influence on why I decided to become a teacher. Their passion for the profession and unconditional care for students was empowering and ever since then I have been inspired to give students and other people that same encouragement. 

How long have you been in the teaching game?

This is my first year as a teacher! 

What was your last place of employment - school/university or another organisation?

Before coming to Mullauna I was studying at the University of Melbourne. 

What do you love most about teaching?

I love working with young people and being able to continue learning every day. 

What has been one of your best teaching moments?

Returning to classrooms after being on zoom during placement was an amazing reminder of the impact that we can have on student’s wellbeing and sense of connection. I was teaching a VCE class during this placement and had prepared to enter the classroom and have to reintroduce myself and win the students over all over again. Instead I was met with a classroom full of encouraging and excited students that were eager to meet me, having felt engaged even when we were learning remotely. This was a small but personally significant moment for me in my teacher training. 

What would be 3 things that you would like your students to know about you?

1. I love to sew. I make a lot of my own clothes or alter and change clothes that I buy second hand. 
2. I listen to on average 3 hours of music every day. I have a few favourite genres but I love getting recommendations and listening to new music that people suggest to me. I love finding a new song that can remind me of someone. 
3. I have a cat called Michelle, or Shelly for short. We named her this because she was rescued after eating a pistachio shell. 

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Vietnam! I have only been once before but I would love to travel there again soon. The history and culture is fascinating. Not to mention the amazing street food and incredible landscape. 

What TV show/series did you last binge watch?

My most recent binge was watching all of RuPaul’s Drag race over the holidays. 

If you could wear Harry’s invisibility cloak for one day, where would you go and what would you do? That’s Harry Potter’s cloak not Harry Ruff’s cloak 😊

I would like to think I would do something admirable or courageous with this power but in reality I think I would spend most of the day trying to scare people with my floating head. 

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

Do your best. It’s nothing ground breaking, but the best advice is often the simplest. 

Thank you, and welcome to Mullauna College, Harriet!