Staff Profile
Meet Vikki, our Food, Safety and Technology Teacher who started with us in Term 1. Vikki has come from Baldivis Secondary College and has fit right into the team at North Lake, bringing a breath of knowledge and passion to her role.
Q: You joined us this year as the new FS&T Teacher. Tell us about where you’ve worked before and how that has impacted you as a teacher today.
A: At Baldivis Secondary College, I taught using the AVID methodology, which focused on college and career readiness. AVID’s strategies like inquiry-based learning, collaborative note-taking, and critical thinking shaped my teaching style by emphasizing student engagement and skill development beyond just content.
Before Baldivis, my experiences at other schools taught me the importance of building strong student-teacher relationships. This aligns with AVID’s belief in every student’s potential. Today, I combine AVID techniques with my past experiences to create a supportive classroom environment that fosters collaboration, resilience, and a growth mindset in students.
Q: What made you want to become a FS&T teacher?
A: Growing up on a farm in Boyup Brook, a small country town, I learned early on the value of hands-on work and problem-solving. Whether it was taking care of animals or managing the day-to-day tasks of the farm, those practical skills shaped my view of the world. I wanted to bring that same sense of creativity and adaptability to the classroom, which is why I decided to become an FST teacher.
Living in a rural area, I saw how important it was to think on your feet and make the most of what you have. I knew that Food and Technology was the perfect way to teach students practical skills they could apply in their everyday lives. It’s incredibly rewarding for me to see students develop their own confidence and creativity in the kitchen and beyond, just as I did growing up.
Q: What have you got planned for your students this year? Anything they are working towards?
A: This year, I’ve got some exciting plans for my students, and a big focus will be on them creating a dish to share with the class. Each student will have the opportunity to choose a recipe, plan it out, and prepare the dish, which will then be shared in a class setting. This hands-on project will allow them to explore their creativity in the kitchen while also learning about teamwork, presentation, and the importance of balance in a meal.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself? Have you got a family? Any hobbies?
A: I’ve been married for 14 years, and my partner and I have three wonderful children, ages 8, 7, and 6. Our family also includes a Russian Blue cat named Almos, who is 17 years old, along with 7 chickens and 5 fish, which add a bit of fun and character to our home. I love cooking, sewing and gardening is also a big part of my life – I love growing my own vegetables and flowers.
Q: If you won the lottery, what would you do instead?
A: I’d start my own sewing school. Sewing is a lost art, and I’d love to help others rediscover it. I’d teach people of all ages the basics of sewing, from making clothes to simple repairs, and pass on this valuable skill to future generations.
Q: What’s your favourite meal to make with your students?
A: My favourite meal to make is rainbow pasta using natural colours from vegetables.
Q: If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
A: If I could pass on any wisdom to my students, it would be to choose a job that makes you happy and work in an environment that brings you joy. Life is too short to spend time in a job that doesn’t make you feel fulfilled. Surround yourself with positive people and always look for ways to grow and learn. Also, never forget to travel and explore the world—it broadens your perspective, helps you appreciate different cultures, and adds so much richness to life. Pursuing happiness and curiosity will lead you to a rewarding and meaningful life.