The Teacher Spotlight
The JSC is excited to launch a new feature in our school newsletter — The Teacher Spotlight.
Every newsletter, two teachers will be interviewed by our JSC reps in order for the school community to learn about the awesome things our staff do both in and out of the classroom.
Introducing Mr Hood!
Sandy Hood
Drum Corps Master
What do you like most about leading Drum Corp?
I like seeing young people being able to adapt to difficult situations quickly within the drumcorps context.
Where were you born?
I was born in Melbourne.
Are you a neat or messy person?
I am definitely a neat person.
What is your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is watching my children grow up to be young healthy adults.
What is your favourite quote?
First is - ‘To do is to be’ - Agrippa
Second favourite is - ‘To be is to do’ - Marcus Aurelias
Third favourite quote is - ‘Dooby Dooby doo’- Frank Sinatra.
When you were a primary school student, were you naughty or well-behaved?
I was both naughty and well-behaved during primary school.
What is a great primary school memory that you have?
My greatest memory from primary school would be winning the A.P.S interschool cross-country in Grade 6.
What is the funniest thing a student has ever said or done?
A student asked - ‘Mr Hood, why is that man standing over there?’
What subject did you struggle with most when you were a student at school?
Science was the subject I most struggled with during school.
How did you start to lead Drum Corp, and why Caulfield South?
My wife was a music teacher and I asked her if she would want a drumcorp to open the school concert at her school and she said yes. So I went around to different schools and borrowed their drums, and then that's how drumcore originated.
Introducing Mr Higgins!
Craig Higgins
Year 5 Coordinator
What do you like most about being a teacher?
Meeting my new class for the first time.
What is your favourite year level to teach? Why?
The Yr 5s and 6s because they can have a good conversation.
Where were you born?
I was born in Mount Waverly, Melbourne.
What is your favourite thing to do with your family?
I like to watch movies with my family.
What is your favourite book or movie/TV show to watch?
My favourite book is The Alchemist.
My favourite movie is Back to the Future.
My favourite TV show is Community.
What is a skill you would love to have that you don’t have already?
I wish I could play the guitar.
What other schools have you taught at other than CSPS?
I have worked at over 30 schools in London and over 20 in Australia as a casual relief teacher.
Which teacher have you known the longest?
I have known Mr O’Grady the longest.
Do you know which teacher has been at CSPS the longest?
I think either Mrs Pappas or Signora have been at CSPS the longest.
Are you a neat or messy teacher?
I am a bit messy and neat.
Introducing Miss Mark!
Matilda Mark
Year 2 Teacher
What do you like most about being a teacher?
I love seeing students learn new things.
What is your favourite year level to teach? Why?
I love them all for different reasons, but Yr 2 is special.
Where were you born?
I was born in Geraldton, WA
What is your favourite thing to do with your family?
I love to go to the beach with my family.
What is your favourite book or movie/TV show to watch?
The Day the Crayons Quit is my favourite book.
What is a skill you would love to have that you don’t have already?
I wish I could play the piano.
Are you a neat or messy teacher?
I am usually neat.
What is your favourite quote?
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” by Dr Suess.
What is your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is learning to speak Spanish.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
I would be a midwife if I wasn’t a teacher.