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 Helene Nguyen.

Helene is one of our superstar graduate teachers who has joined the maths team! She has settled in beautifully, bringing enthusiasm and new ideas – welcome to the team Helene.   

How long have you been teaching?

This is my first year!

What school/university or organisation have you come from?

Monash University

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I wanted a job where I could contribute to the community and face new, exciting challenges every day. Teaching was the perfect job for that!

What do you love most about teaching?

I love seeing students be proud of their achievements, no matter how big or small the achievement is.

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

I am always willing to help if I can see you putting in the effort to improve yourself. 2. If you ever need someone to listen to your rants about life, I am the person you can go to. 3. Being respectful is really important to me and it's the main expectation I have for any student who enters my classroom.

What has been one of your best teaching moments?

Hearing from parents during interviews that their child was so proud of their Maths results that they stuck their test paper on the fridge!

Where's your favourite holiday destination?

Norway! I have cousins who live over there (fun fact: I also have a Norwegian citizenship!)

What are tv show/series did you last binge watch?

Bridgerton

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

Probably my grandparents. I have only met my grandparents on my mum's side twice and I never got to meet my grandparents on my dad's side. So I would love to have a chance to get to know them and learn more about my parents' childhoods.

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

Surround yourself with people who will always celebrate your successes!