Staff Spotlight | Jessica Palermo

Jessica Palermo, Secondary Teacher

What's your role in the Senior School?

I am a Secondary Teacher of Pastoral Care, Science and Mathematics and an Insight Instructional Leader Teacher Practice.

How long have you been at St Mary's College? What inspired you to choose teaching as a career? 

This is my sixth year at SMC – I came here in 2020. I was inspired to become a teacher by my own high school teacher (and former SMC Deputy Principal), Mrs Jacqueline Conboy. She made science so much fun and nurtured my love of learning, especially in Biology. She inspired my love of the sciences so much that I went on to complete a science degree at UTAS. After that, I thought, 'How can I share my love of science with others?'. So, I completed my teacher training through Monash University. I even did my first prac placement here in 2007! 

What do you love most about working at SMC? 

I love that girls are given every opportunity, which leads to better learning outcomes. I also love the staff here – everyone is so welcoming and kind, and they truly live the charism of Nano Nagle. It feels like one big family. I love the traditions and the history as well as the engagement and collaboration between junior and senior students with initiatives such as Drop Everything and Read and the buddy programs.

What were you like as a student? 

I was a very conscientious student – I loved getting things right, and I loved being at school. It was my favourite place to be. I didn't like getting into trouble, so I was a diligent rule follower! Mrs Fiona Chambers would say that I talked a lot, but I don't know about that...

Tell us a bit about your family. You have two daughters at the College: what's it like experiencing SMC as both a staff member and a parent? 

My husband and I went to school together, so we have known each other a long time. We now have two daughters, Sofia (Year 7) and Madeline (Year 6), who have been at SMC since Kindergarten. They love it here. 

I love SMC as a parent. The Junior School staff are beyond amazing and have nurtured and cared for my girls so beautifully. Through The Fountain, I saw all the amazing opportunities the girls have here in the science space and thought to myself, 'I want to be a part of that!' Lucky for me, a job came up, and now I get to see the workings behind the scenes that make this place such a great school. The staff are always putting the students at the heart of all their decisions and truly care for our students. 

Being a parent and a staff member can be tricky, especially for my girls – though it is worth it. Getting to see the activities and opportunities that they can engage in, as well as getting to know their peers, is a privilege. I also get to spend more time with my girls before and after school. 

Do you have any hobbies outside of school? 

Outside of school my hobbies are athletics, cross country and being a soccer mum. I also love to read, bike ride and spend time with family and friends. I like being active!

If you could master one skill instantly, what would it be, and why? 

Speaking another language! I have been studying Italian for the past two-and-a-half years, and it would be nice to be able to just speak and understand Italian without having to think so hard! (Or speed reading… that's a close second!).