Staff in the Spotlight
With so many staff at Wantrina College, we would like to give our school community the opportunity to get to know them in a fun way. Each week we will be spotlighting a new staff member and sharing with you all sorts of fun and interesting stories about who they are and most importantly, why they became a teacher and what they love most about teaching!
This week we are spotlighting Chelsea Collings. Chelsea joins our staff as the Leader of Wellbeing.
We are very fortunate to have such a highly regarded leader with significant experience and knowledge lead our team with the added bonus of her being a gun Psychology teacher. This year, Chelsea is teaching both Year 12 Psychology classes while supporting students wellbeing and leading the wellbeing staff. Welcome to Wantirna Chelsea, it’s our great pleasure to have you on our staff.
How long have you been teaching?
As of May 2025, I’ll be into my 9th year of teaching!
What school/university or organisation have you come from?
I studied at Deakin University and finished my double degree of Bachelor of Arts/Secondary Education with distinction. I worked at Croydon Community School, particularly their re-engagement program; where I supported students who had disengaged from their mainstream school to find their love of learning again. After leading this program, I moved to Narre Warren South P-12 College to explore new and exciting opportunities as their Wellbeing Leader. A very busy three and a half years there supporting students with their mental health, then lead me to Wantirna College where I’m the Wellbeing Leader and a year 12 Psychology teacher.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Funnily enough, I always wanted to be a Primary school teacher, however it was my Year 12 experiences and fantastic teachers that I changed my mind last minute to Secondary, as I wanted to have those more mature relationships with adolescents, just like my teachers had with me.
What do you love most about teaching?
That it’s a continuous teaching and learning cycle. I’m a keen learner and I love how much we learn from our students, just as much as they learn from us. Being able to not only teach but guide our young people towards becoming their best selves truly lights me up.
What are you looking forward to the most in your new role at Wantirna College?
New opportunities, growth, learning new things and meeting new people. I love connection and being able to expand my network of people is exciting.
What are three things you would like your students to know about you?
I can be a bit silly and I’m not afraid to be my true self in the classroom - what you see is what you get!
I’m not perfect - I’ll make mistakes, not every lesson will go to plan BUT I will always model this to you and make an effort to always keep showing up as my best
I will go above and beyond for you - my door is always open if you need extra assistance or just need to chat
What has been one of your best teaching moments?
Seeing a completely disengaged student, going from zero school attendance to finding his spark & passion again for learning, understanding how he works best & transitioning back to full-time school, where he just completed his year 12 studies!
Where's your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere tropical, however I have a soft spot for England as I have family there
What are tv show/series did you last binge watch?
Game of Thrones (yes; I know I’m late to the party!)
If you could have 3 people for dinner (dead or alive) who would they be and why?
Georgie Stevenson - a multi-business owner and entrepreneur in the mindset/personal development space - I’ve learnt so much from her and would love to pick her brains!
Mel Robbins - again, for her work in the self development world with creating long-lasting change and building better habits (if you haven’t watched her Ted Talks, listened to her Podcast or read any of her books - I suggest you do!)
Sydney Sweeney - she just seems really cool?!?!
What is the one piece of 'advice' or the one thing that you always say to your students?
“Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right” - our mindset and belief systems play a huge role in our actions. Start by believing in yourself and see what you can achieve!