Staff in the Spotlight

With so many staff joining our team this year, we would like to give our school community the opportunity to get to know our new teachers 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 Charlie Wakeham. 

Charlie is another Deakin graduate who has joined our English team this year although he is multi-talented and teaches Science too. Charlie is a great addition to our staffing team and we love the strong rapport he is building with his students. 

How long have you been teaching?

This is my first year teaching!

What school/university or organisation have you come from?

Deakin University

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I’ve always had a love for learning since I was a student. Teaching was the perfect way to be able to share that passion every day, and help others discover their own love of learning!

What do you love most about teaching?

I love getting to know what students are interested in and what their goals are. Being involved in their learning process and supporting them to reach their full potential is the best part of teaching.

What are three things you would like your students to know about you?

1. I believe every student is capable of achieving great things! 

2. I will do anything I can to support their learning! 

3. I’ve been a student myself and know life and school can be challenging at times – they are welcome to chat to me about anything if they would like to! 

What has been one of your best teaching moments?

It was pretty special to teach my first lessons at the start of this year. After years of hard work to become a teacher, it had all finally paid off to step into my own classroom and connect with my own students.

Where's your favourite holiday destination?

Greece, and I can’t wait to go back some day to see more of it.

What tv show/series did you last binge watch?

I’ve been re-watching Friends at the moment, again.

If you could have 3 people for dinner (dead or alive) who would they be and why?

I’d like to have dinner with Robin Williams, Billy Slater and Nick Riewoldt. As a massive Saints and Storm supporter, I’d love to chat with these guys as some of the greatest players for their clubs, and Robin Williams was one of my favourite actors growing up, who always made me laugh.

What is the one piece of 'advice' or the one thing that you always say to your students?

Don’t be afraid to give something a go – you can achieve some great things stepping out of your comfort zone!