Staff Spotlight
💫 Chithru De Silva - Secondary English Teacher
Family... I’m the only child in my family (my parents changed their minds about having more after me - make of that what you will!). My husband Rajith and I live here in Seymour with our overly dramatic Australian Shepherd, Cinnamon, who genuinely believes she runs the household. (I agree with her)
What is one of your hidden talents... I can imitate dog barks with unsettling accuracy (ask me about my “startled chihuahua”). Also, I have a disturbingly good memory for Shakespearean character names; useless at parties, but excellent in a classroom.
If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead...
I'd trade my lanyard for a mic and build the kind of creative space I always wished existed: part bookshop, part recording studio, part performance venue with mismatched chairs and dangerously good coffee. I’d spend my days writing songs that say the things we’re too scared to say out loud, mentoring young artists, and maybe even winning a few more awards. But I know myself: I’d still end up running songwriting workshops for teens on weekends, because once a teacher, always a teacher.
What inspires you... Kindness in unexpected places. Students who keep trying, even when something feels too hard.
Are there any embarrassing teaching moments you would like to share... Oh I've got a few
Showed up to class in a blazer and professional attire… only to discover I’d worn two completely different shoes. Not just slightly different, one was a sandal. Played it off as a “visual metaphor for balance in life.”
I tried to lead a mindfulness session for my class, encouraging everyone to close their eyes and breathe deeply. Midway through my calming speech, I accidentally let out a very loud hiccup. The class thought it was part of the exercise. I just rolled with it.
What sort of morning routine do you have to get jazzed up for class... Wake up at 5am. Meditate. Do yoga. Journal. Prepare a green smoothie and review lesson plans calmly while classical music plays softly in the background…Just kidding. It begins with me pressing snooze like it’s an Olympic event. I scroll through memes, panic shower, and leave the house with a banana and a prayer. Arrive at school with one plan, and a dangerously high level of optimism.
What current trends are baffling to you... Nail trends that look like small sculptures. I’m in awe, but I just don’t understand how you open a can of tuna with those talons. Or mark essays. Or function. (No judgements, just curious) Teens saying “rizz” as if it’s a verb, noun, and entire lifestyle. And the eternal mystery: why is every water bottle now the size of a toddler?
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share... Failing at something doesn’t make you a failure. It just makes you a human who’s trying. Be kind. Not just because it’s nice, but because you never know who’s barely holding it together… including your teachers.
Our college theme for this year is 'Through service we receive' how do you work to bring that to life in everyday classes... By reminding students that small acts of help, explaining something to a classmate, cleaning up without being asked, or simply listening, can have a big impact. In serving others, we grow in empathy, confidence, and connection.
Is there a quote or saying you live your life by... "Be brave enough to try, weird enough to stand out, and kind enough to take others with you." ( I believe I read this in a book but genuinely don't remember which one)
What song do you know all the lyrics to... Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen - I sing every part
What would students and parents be surprised to find about you... I’ve written a break-up song about printer jams. It’s called “Tray 1 Betrayal.” It’s dramatic, under three minutes, and sadly inspired by real events in the staffroom. On a serious note - I didn’t always do well in school and I’ve carried that experience into my teaching. It’s why I pay attention to the quiet students, the ones who need a second chance, and the ones still figuring out how they learn best.
What football team do you barrack for... Geelong Cats all the way!
💫 Jessica Winnell - Business Assistant
Family... I have a husband Kal and 3 very active boys Aiden, Blake and Ryan
What is one of your hidden talents... Baking and cooking
If you won the lottery and decided to give up work, what would you do instead... My boys keep me very busy so I would have lots of time to prepare for the many activities they are involved with
What inspires you... Helping kids at sporting clubs, to see them develop and achieve from the start to the finish of the season makes it all worth while.
What sort of morning routine do you have to get jazzed up for work... Ensuring I have a couple of cups of tea and I am ready for the day!
If you could pass on any wisdom to others, what would you share... Life is too short, enjoy each day, and don't put off doing what you want
Our college theme for this year is 'Through service we receive' how do you work to bring that to life in everyday work... Helping others who may need assistance, you never know when you may need help too
Is there a quote or saying you live your life by... There is always someone worse off than you
What song do you know all the lyrics to...I am pretty sure I make up most songs, although I am learning off Ryan who seems to know so many
What football team do you barrack for... I have a house full of Collingwood supporters so I don't really have a choice!