New Staff 'Spotlight'
Meet Nicolle Cheriton
Family... I have a small family - one husband and 4 very spoilt fur kids (4 border collies Delta, Max, Gemma and Kovy) and one horse Ruby.
What is one of your hidden talents... I train dogs and am a volunteer instructor at dog schools for fun. My weekends are full from competing in doggy sports/competitions such as scent detection, obedience, tricks, agility, endurance and confirmation showing! I can groom dogs very well too!
If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead... would still be teaching my instruments! In my spare time, I would be horse riding and dog training. I would spend time in animal rescues. I am passionate about animal welfare.
What inspires you... People with ambition and grit who keep going. People who just try new things. Passionate people.
Are there any embarrassing teaching moments you would like to share... I have picked up the wrong class for Music after lunch!
What sort of morning routine do you have to get jazzed up for class... Singing!
What current trends are baffling to you... I don't feel the need to do any of the trend challenges!
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share... Keep going, keep practising even if it's hard and when you feel like giving up. Enjoy the journey. It will lead you to new experiences you never thought possible.
Our college theme for this year is 'Through service we receive' how do you work to bring that to life in everyday classes... I remind students to help each other in class. Hopefully we will bring music to the community through performances.
Is there a quote or saying you live your life by... It will all work out in the end!
What song do you know all the lyrics to... Imagine Dragons. Believer. I'm not good at remembering lyrics, but I can make some up on the spot! Makes for interesting versions of the songs.
What would students and parents be surprised to find about you... I trained in martial arts for many years.
What football team do you barrack for... Sydney Swans and the Tigers. I am also big Melbourne Victory Soccer Fan!
Meet Natasha Brown
Family... My immediate family consists of me, my fiancé Jon, our 6 year old son Harrison, our 14 month old daughter Isabella and our cat Pippa.
What is one of your hidden talents... I can happily read a 300+ page novel in a single day, especially if it's fantasy or a good regency-era romance (Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter and Eragon are some of my all-time favourites).
If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead...I would probably have a little arty/crafty business. I love making toys and clothes for little ones and I’ve always wanted to make and sell art prints.
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share... Don’t let other people’s opinions dictate what you like. It’s okay to have a fandom, it’s okay to have “weird” interests or conversely, to like what’s popular and trendy. These are the things that make you who you are, and who you are is wonderful.
What song do you know all the lyrics to... Oh there’s too many to choose, but who doesn’t know all the words to Bohemian Rhapsody!
What would students and parents be surprised to find about you... Hmm, I don’t know, although people are usually pretty surprised when they find out I listen to metal!
Meet Sally O'Connor
Family... I have two sons, my eldest is a mechanic and my youngest is completing Year 12 this year.
What is one of your hidden talents... Music - I can play the piano, drums and guitar (not very well). I majored in music composition at school and was selected to attend the state music camp for voice.
If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead...
Lie on the beach and read a good book!
What inspires you... I am inspired by the beauty and complexity of the natural world, the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and the power of creativity and imagination.
Are there any embarrassing teaching moments you would like to share.. Once I repeatedly asked a student to go and get their 'left handed-pencil'. I meant to say 'scissors'! My LSO never let me live that one down!
What sort of morning routine do you have to get jazzed up for class... I like to get up before the sun comes up, feed all the animals on my farm and have a strong coffee!
What current trends are baffling to you... Croc shoes and the little extra decorations you can buy for them!
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share... You are braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
Is there a quote or saying you live your life by... Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."
What song do you know all the lyrics to... Dolly Parton's '9 to 5'!
What would students and parents be surprised to find about you... I enjoy clay target shooting and have a collection of old kitchen scales. I am a terrible cook!
What football team do you barrack for... Essendon!
