Spotlight On . . .

Introducing our Japanese Teacher for our 'Spotlight On' this week - Miss Christina Yoo.

Christina was born in a tiny country named, South Korea, home to much-annoying K-pop music and oh-so-cheesy K-dramas. Back then, South Korea was an Asian country which not many people knew much about, much less than Japan or China. By the time she was about to begin Year 5 at primary school, her family had upped and moved to New Zealand where they lived for 3 years (no, she doesn't say, ‘Fush and Chups’ anymore, she lost the accent).  Shortly after that, they moved to Melbourne.

Christina's interest in the Japanese language and the country’s culture was sparked when she was in high school. She went to three different high schools, but thinks the school that shaped her the most to be the person she is today is Mac. Robertson Girls’ High School. At this school, she was fortunate enough to have had a Sensei (Yes! Sensei had her own Sensei too!) who always spurred her on to strive her best. Christina was a geeky student with big glasses and completely obsessed about Sanrio characters (eg. Hello Kitty, Keroppi, Rilakumma etc.) .

After completing Japanese studies at Monash University, Christina moved back to live in South Korea for a number of years where she discovered another passion of hers – teaching. She taught English to various age groups, ranging from Kindergarten to Middle School (equivalent of Years 7 & 8 in Australia). She still remembers many of the children she taught during these years as she had some of the best times of her life. Some made her laugh so hard she was left in tears, some made her angry at times (but never for long!), some taught her valuable lessons – such as forgiveness, never giving up and how to have faith. 

By the end of Term 4, Christina will have completed her first year at Syndal South Primary School. She has had an absolutely amazing time here at Syndal South with wonderful teachers (they are truly FANTASTIC!) and equally wonderful students (they are truly FAN-FANTASTIC!). She says that it has been a privilege to have been part of such a great school community!