STAFF PROFILE
Name: Laura Stephenson
Class: 1HS
Why did you want to become a teacher?
I enjoy seeing learning in action, working with like-minded people, being challenged and knowing that no two days are ever the same.
How long have you been at Chilwell Primary School for?
This is my third year at CPS.
Are you Part time or Full time?
Part time. This year I am teaching the lovely 1HS, and feel very fortunate to be sharing a class with Lisa for a second year.
What is your favourite thing about working at Chilwell?
The wonderful staff and working in an environment that encourages you to strive for more while appreciating what you have.
If you could describe Chilwell in 3 words, what would they be?
Dynamic, caring, diligent.
What legacy do you hope to leave with the children you teach?
A love of learning, always trying to do your best (even when the teacher isn't looking!) and plenty of laughter.
If you had all the parents of your current students in the room with you, what would you like to say to them about their child's time with you?
Seeing their eager little faces and hearing about their experiences is such an uplifting way to start the day. We are going to look for the positives in each other and think about our actions. We will learn and create so much together this year, while having fun and celebrating our differences.
How do you measure success in terms of your teaching / your time with the students?
Happy faces, asking questions, offering thoughtful answers, making connections across subjects, a willingness to learn, striving to improve and an organised classroom.
Is there something about you that your students would be surprised to know? (Hidden talent? a previous job?)
I lived in California for 6 months and attended school while I was there - it was an eye-opener! When the recess and lunch bells rang, all of the grade 6 girls would rush to the one small mirror in the bathroom to
reapply their make-up. It was the late 80s, so blue eye shadow was in vogue. A bit different to my regular school in Sydney!
Name: Abbey Thomas
Class: 6MG
Why did you want to be an educational support staff member working with students?
I have loved working with children for a long time now and going into this role was an easy transition from my previous role as a support worker. Children know how to light up everyone's day and I love being a part of their journey through life as not only a staff member or support worker but as a friend.
How long have you been at Chilwell Primary School for?
Since the start of 2023
Are you Part time or Full time?
Part time 9am-2:30pm everyday
What is your favourite thing about working at Chilwell?
How positive and inclusive everyone is!! I was amazed about how knowledgeable the students are about worldly issues.
If you could describe Chilwell in 3 words, what would they be?
Accountable, supportive, respectful.
What legacy do you hope to leave with the children you support?
I hope to leave the children capable to accomplish anything they dream of, confident to take risks to achieve great reward and with memories of positive support.
If you had all the parents of your current students in the room with you, what would you like to say to them about their child's time with you?
I hope they would say that I empower their children, that their children feel safe with me and comfortable to draw on my support whenever they need it no matter how big or small.
How do you measure success in terms of your time with the students?
I measure success within my students in not only their accomplishments but their courage, their smiles and the self awareness to be able to identify any struggles they may have and for them to draw on support in times of need.
Is there something about you that your students would be surprised to know? (Hidden talent? a previous job?)
A Lot of my students have already seen them but I have 23 tattoos and 4 of them are Harry Styles related because I LOVE HIM and his music and everything he stands for!