Staff in the Spotlight
Wantirna College
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 Katerina Fonda.
Katerina is from Kambrya College in Berwick and has joined our Senior School team as one of our Year 12 Year Level Leaders. She teaches VCE Psychology and is already making a huge impact in supporting our senior students in the Pathways Hub. Not only is she a gun teacher in the classroom, she’s also running lots of fun activities for the Year 12s like Teacher Vs Student soccer matches and class trivia challenges. Welcome Katerina, we are super excited to have you join our team at Wantirna!
How long have you been in Education?
8 years
What school/university or organisation have you come from?
Kambrya College
Why did you decide to become involved in Education?
During High School I developed a passion for psychology and mental health. I left High School to Major in Psychology with the mindset of 'Let's see where the road takes me.' When I was 21 years old, I taught English in Brazil for 6 weeks and loved it so much. It was after this experience that I decided to become a teacher. I could teach what I love (psychology) and be part of a community which supports young people.
What do you love most about your job?
There are so many things I love about teaching, but one of the first things that come to mind is seeing the growth in students. Not just academically, but as people. It's amazing to see students reach their goals and overcome their challenges.
What has been one of your best teaching moments?
Teaching in the Northern Territory was an incredible experience that I'll always be grateful for, especially as a graduate teacher. More recently, I had some of my best teaching moments last year as a Year 12 Level Leader. From organizing fun events, to seeing the cohort graduate. I couldn’t have been prouder. I was thrilled that I was able to continue being a Year 12 Level Leader at Wantirna College this year and look forward to the year ahead.
What are three things you would like your students to know about you?
Just that I am approachable and always happy to listen.
Where's your favourite holiday destination?
Brazil and Cuba are my favourite countries which I have travelled to and would love to go there again.
What are tv show/series did you last binge watch?
Wednesday (yes a bit daggy)
What is the one piece of 'advice' or the one thing that you always say to your students?
The thing I say to students most is probably "Look after yourself and prioritise you-time." Sometimes we need someone to remind us to practise self-care, especially when stressed. Another thing that I like to remind students is that "Mistakes are good, as they give us an opportunity to learn and grow. So, always have a go! You gain nothing from not trying."