Staff Spotlight

About me

Hello everyone! Allow me to introduce myself – my name is Mr. Khoi Tran.

Teaching Philosophy

I strongly believe that meaningful academic achievement begins with a classroom environment where students feel supported, valued, and safe enough to step outside their comfort zones. Every student has the ability to learn. My role as an educator is to discover the unique approach that helps each individual succeed. By creating a safe, kind and inclusive pedagogical space grounded in empathy and respect, I aim to do more than promote content knowledge. I strive to build students’ confidence, so they feel empowered to think independently and pursue their natural curiosity.

A little about my life

I thoroughly enjoy spending quality time with family, close friends to whom become chosen family, and my beloved fur-baby Marley. But I equally value my own company and find comfort in quiet, where I enjoy unhurried walks that bring a sense of calm and perspective. I love travelling – discovering, exploring and experiencing new places, revisiting loved locations and rediscovering my roots.   

I am naturally spiritual and practice Buddhism. To centre myself, I do body-balance Pilates and yoga. I am an avid tennis supporter, a former recreational player, a fan of the game and a dedicated tennis club/committee member of coming upon thirty-eight years. I love hosting friends for catchups, meals, and family celebrations in the comforts of home. Without bias, my mother cooks and prepares the best traditional and authentic, and freshest Vietnamese cuisine. Truth: My mum’s home/hand-made fried spring rolls are hands down – legendary!!

Interests and hobbies

I thoroughly enjoy slipping away on weekend road trips throughout Victoria, where the scenery shifts effortlessly from rolling provincial countryside to breezy coastal vistas. There is a simple joy in taking the long way – stopping at welcoming cellar doors, enjoying delicious seasonal local food, and wandering through charming regional towns. Whether it’s a glass of wine overlooking vineyards or a seaside lunch with the wonderful company of family and/or dear friends; each trip feels like a little escape, equal parts discovery and relaxation.

I love over-indulging/spoiling my family and dearest friends of whom are chosen family. To relieve stress and when I now have time, I enjoy baking light-as-air chiffon cakes, sticky date pudding, lemon tart, pavlova, triple chocolate brownies, scones, profiteroles, lemon butter melting moments biscuits, gingerbread, etc. – especially around and for celebrations and festive holidays.

Fun facts

I along with my immediate family are first generation migrants to Australia. Victoria has been our home since first arriving from Vietnam at the age of four. My family made the treacherous and courageous journey in a small, rickety fishing boat before very fortunately being safely rescued by a Dutch ocean tanker. We were transported to a Refugee Red Cross camp on the tiny Island of Galang, located in the Indonesian Archipelago. We remained there for approximately eight months, where my youngest sister was born. Later that year we officially received immigration status and travelled to Australia in 1981.

I speak Vietnamese with my parents at home. I/we embrace our heritage, customs and traditions, as do we love and indulge in everything that makes Australia multiculturally magnificent! I was the first member in my family to be sent to school in Australia, almost immediately after we were settled in an immigration hostel in the eastern suburb of Nunawading, Victoria. I had no concept or understanding of the English language – neither speaking, listening, writing, reading or comprehension… Thus, reasons as to why I began stuttering at and abouts the latter age of four. I virtually became ‘self-imposed’ silent; only and reluctantly communicating when it was necessary… until the age of nineteen.

It was during covid-19 lockdown that I made the conscience choice to pivot my career path and only for the second time, to become a primary school educator. It is because and not despite of my life’s experience, that I pursued and completed a Master of Primary Teaching (F-10). Teaching and guiding young people are my life’s purpose. But before becoming a teacher, I was a fashion designer. Therefore, I have a natural affinity for fashion and the time-honoured handcraftsmanship of traditional bespoke. I am drawn to the quiet inspiration of art galleries/exhibitions and museums where creativity reveals itself in subtle and thought-provoking ways. Together, these interests reflect a love of beauty in its many forms, whether found in curated spaces or in nature.

NOTE: My go-to-food is KFC original recipe fried chicken – so much so, that every year on my birthday we order it for dinner. Along with a large platter of sushi and sashimi. I also love desserts - often and naughtily, I eat cake first! And for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and just because I can, and not because I should...  LOLS!

Contact Me

• ClassDojo for quick updates and classroom communication
• Compass for important school messages and announcements
• In person, before or after school by arrangement