Spotlight On . . . 

This week our spotlight is on Jess Jason, one of our Year 1 Teachers.

Jess was born in Melbourne and grew up in the suburbs.  She went to Burwood East Primary School which was where she first thought she'd like to be a teacher.  She then went to High School at Caulfield Grammar in Wheelers Hill.

Jess's favourite subject in high school was psychology, so she decided to study a Bachelor of Social Science at ACU where she learnt a lot more about people, the way they think, what motivates them and how we develop over time. She love's learning about how people tick!  When she finished her degree she still had a burning desire to become a teacher so she then went on to study a Masters of Teaching at The University of Melbourne.

Jess had her first job at 15 years old working at the Cheese cake shop on weekends and holidays.  How lucky was she!!  This helped her save for her first car and a trip to Europe in 2006.

While at university Jess had two jobs.  One in hospitality and one in Out of School Hours Care.  In hospitality she got to work at sporting events such as the Australian Open where she was lucky enough to see some players like Serena Williams up close!  She also worked at lots and lots of weddings!   Jess was also the co-ordinator for OSHC programs at various schools for over 6 years – she always loved working with kids!

Once she finished her teaching degree she worked as a casual relief teacher all around Melbourne, including at Syndal South, enjoying the flexibility so she could further her travel goals.

A school trip to China in year 9 sparked the travel bug in her and since that first overseas trip she has travelled to over 15 countries across 4 continents. 

There are still many places in the world Jess would love to visit. One big dream of her's is to see the Northern Lights one day. 

In 2016 Jess decided travel was not enough – she wanted more adventure – so she moved to London to live and work.  Jess lived in a place with a very funny name – Tooting Broadway – and worked teaching at primary schools around London including a whole year teaching Grade 1.  Believe it or not – that class was also called 1J!  She loved her time in London, she learned a lot, made some lifelong friends and had some fantastic travel adventures.

But after 2 years Jess was ready to come home again. She did miss her family a lot!  

When Jess first came back to Melbourne she went back to casual relief teaching and was so excited to come back to Syndal South.  It wasn’t long till she was lucky enough to get a full time job and has loved every day being here. 

Jess feels very lucky to work in a school with such a friendly community.  The students are great, the staff are an amazing team, and the families show just how dedicated they are to supporting our school and growing our students to be the best people they can be.