Welcome new staff 

Joining our community : Part 3

We are delighted to have several new staff join our community this year, with a great breadth of experience from teaching and beyond. Please enjoy our final collection of short introductions.

Cindy Huynh

Hi! My name is Cindy, one of my driving forces for becoming a teacher has been an interest in helping the younger generation with their learning, based on my own positive experience as a NHS student, but also with applying various learning methods I have accumulated during my undergraduate (Science and Chinese studies at The University of Melbourne) and postgraduate teaching (at ACU) too. I have worked as a tutor with groups of primary and secondary students for seven years and  found teaching to be an ongoing practice that pushes me to grow as a mentor and leader. Outside of tutoring and tertiary studies, I am a proactive member in the community by being a volunteer, VBYA youth group leader and Vovinam martial arts assistant instructor. I am excited to pursue my goals of creating positive change for the Australian youth and give back to the community, with the mentorship and support from the NHS leadership team and my future fellow colleagues.

Anna Vargehse

I have joined NHS as a French teacher and Connect Tutor. I grew up in Melbourne but spent many years studying and working in France. In Paris, I worked as an English teacher in both primary and adult education, and later as a bilingual assistant and researcher for KPMG in La Défense. My teaching career started 20 years ago at Melbourne Girls’ College, and I have since taught in various contexts such as the University of Melbourne, Carey Baptist Grammar, and Melbourne Grammar School. I am passionate about languages education and intercultural learning. My personal areas of interest are contemporary French literature and cooking. I am looking forward to getting to know the NHS school community. 

Aaron Fong

In the past few years, my teaching journey has taken me to diverse educational settings across Victoria and Tasmania. During my tenure as a Business Management/History Teacher at Box Hill High School, I enjoyed being able to integrate activities that catered to both English as an Additional Language (EAL) students and high achievers, ensuring every student's learning style was considered. I am eager to further refine and apply these skills at Northcote High School, understanding that recognizing and addressing the diverse needs and capabilities of students is fundamental in building strong rapport and supporting their educational journey.  My goal in Northcote High School is to cultivate meaningful relationships with students and colleagues, and contribute to an environment where the individual strengths and challenges of each student are not only recognized but actively supported. 

Jacinta Walsh

I am a recent graduate of the Master of Teaching program, with teaching areas in English and Media. Prior to being in the education space, I spent several years in the publishing industry working as an editor and contributor for a series of magazine titles. After working at Northcote for the past year as an integration aide, I now look forward to moving into my new role as an English teacher, and sharing my passion for language and literature with the students at NHS. I look forward to seeing their creativity in the work they produce. Outside of work I’m a keen crafter, who loves to knit and crochet. I have even started my own craft club with a group of friends! I love a swim, as well as the odd yoga or pilates class. I’m also part of a pretty stellar pub trivia team. 

Yifei Wang

Hi everyone, I'm a recent graduate, and have used my spare time during my studies to gain experience in teaching the Chinese Language in various environments. My experience includes working as a language assistant in a primary school and volunteering at an international school in China. In addition, I've contributed to a bilingual primary school in Melbourne and have had the opportunity to teach VCE level students as a student teacher. Beyond language subjects, I also had the chance to teach other subjects during my placements, such as Math and commerce-related subjects. Each role has provided me with unique insights into education. I am looking forward to collaborating with the teachers at Northcote High School. Together, we can learn from each other and support one another in creating positive work environment. Our collaboration could ensure that students at Northcote High School feel welcomed and their individual learning needs are met.

Graham Preston

I am an English and Literature teacher who is entering my 15th year as a secondary teacher. Prior to joining Northcote High School, I was the Learning Specialist in Literacy at St AIbans Secondary College, and, before that, I was an LS in Learning Interventions at Balwyn High School, where I taught English and Literature for 9 years. I am looking forward to joining the community of Northcote High School on a fulltime basis and connecting with the students and staff at this school.