STAFF ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
CURRENT ALUMNI STAFF
We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of 316 teaching and Education Support staff, 49 of whom are proud McKinnon alumni. This strong connection between past and present highlights the enduring sense of community at our school.
We were also lucky enough to capture a photo featuring more than half of our alumni staff, a wonderful reminder of the commitment and spirit that drive McKinnon forward.
We reached out to staff to reflect on their time as both student and now a staff member. Please enjoy their interviews below.
WILLEM VOORHAM
Currently teaching VCE Biology and Physical Education. Also serving as Professional Development Coordinator.
What year did you graduate?
2011
Who was your favourite teacher and is that teacher still teaching at McKinnon?
Brett Howe/ Therese Sweeney
What are some of your fondest memories from when you were a student here?
The culture, community and sense of belonging. I was able to grow up with being close with most of my cohort. I am very lucky to still be close to them 15 years after graduating.
Did you have any favourite teachers who influenced your decision to become an educator?
Not necessarily teachers, but more so the content I covered in Unit 3/4 Health and Human Development. I learnt about the impact education can have on people's lives which definitely inspired me.
This, along with having some excellent teachers here (and the happy lives they lived) motivated me to study teaching.
What was your favourite subject or activity as a student here?
Everything I studied I enjoyed! Loved the sporting days.
What inspired you to return to McKinnon as a teacher?
Understanding the culture and excellence of the school.
How do you think your experience as a former student helps you connect with the current students at McKinnon?
Understanding the values of the community has been very helpful. It has definitely made me have the understanding of the challenges but also the greatness that comes along with being a part of McKinnon.
What advice would you give to McKinnon students, knowing what you do now as both a former student and a teacher?
The old cliche, your ATAR doesn't define you. Find something you are passionate about, and you will succeed.
How do you balance the nostalgia of your student days with the realities of being a teacher here now?
Hard work! A striving for excellence and continuous improvement.
What are some lessons you learned as a student at McKinnon that you try to impart to your students today?
Surround yourself with good people, those who make you want to be a better person. There are plenty of those types of students at McKinnon, and in the community, so do that!
HAMISH ROSE
Currently teaching Biology
What year did you graduate?
2014
Who was your favourite teacher and is that teacher still teaching at McKinnon?
I was taught by Cherie Marks (Bio), Kellie Felmingham (Psych) and Ange Masterson (Legal) in Year 12, and Brett Howe (Bio) and Adrian D'Ambra (English) in Year 11.
What are some of your fondest memories from when you were a student here?
Travelling to Central America in 2013 and hiking in the Monteverdes cloud forest in Costa Rica (with Peter Quinn).
What was your favourite subject or activity as a student here?
My favourite subject was Biology.
What inspired you to return to McKinnon as a teacher?
The culture of success and community mindedness.
How do you think your experience as a former student helps you connect with the current students at McKinnon?
I'm not sure if it gives me any particular advantage, however I think it has given me perspective on the expectations of McKinnon community and how to instill these in students today.
What traditions or values from your time as a student here do you see still being upheld?
All of the values are still upheld as are many of the traditions including cultural diversity week. Thankfully though there are no longer Saturday detentions!
What advice would you give to McKinnon students, knowing what you do now as both a former student and a teacher?
The biggest piece of advice for a student would be to get involved in the community however you can. Whether that means undertaking extracurricular activities or just building positive relationships with your teachers and cohort.
HANNAH SCLARR
Currently teaching Health & PE
What year did you graduate?
2009
Who was your favourite teacher and is that teacher still teaching at McKinnon?
Peter Quinn and Brett Howe were my favourites! Both still teaching.
What are some of your fondest memories from when you were a student here?
Seeing my friends everyday, the fun classes and the connections we had with the teachers.
Did you have any favourite teachers who influenced your decision to become an educator?
Chris Hudd actually inspired me to. He is a terrific PE teacher and got me absolutely hooked on the subject.
What was your favourite subject or activity as a student here?
PE and Bytes!
What inspired you to return to McKinnon as a teacher?
I was lucky enough to have a great connection with Pitsa Binnion, and I believe my time here as a student spurred me on to come back.
How does it feel to work alongside teachers who taught you? (if relevant)
It felt weird at the start, but now actually feels really nice. I feel quite lucky to have had the experience with them as a student and now as a teacher, I think it makes it even more special.
How do you think your experience as a former student helps you connect with the current students at McKinnon?
I believe because I have such great memories and amazing friendships to this day from my school days, it helps me foster those connections during class because I know how special and rare they are.
What traditions or values from your time as a student here do you see still being upheld?
The amazing music program and the sports program too.
What advice would you give to McKinnon students, knowing what you do now as both a former student and a teacher?
The times that you have now are so invaluable, being around great people everyday, and your teachers really want to guide you too!
How do you balance the nostalgia of your student days with the realities of being a teacher here now?
I think I had enough time away from the school that it is quite different from when I was there. I try to bring the good memories into reality.
What are some lessons you learned as a student at McKinnon that you try to impart to your students today?
That being a genuine person who treats people with respect and kindness matters above everything else.
