Staff in Focus

Q and A with  . . . Miss Isard

Our new Head of House - Prémontré reveals her fondest memories of being a student at St Norbert College and her plans for the penguins! 

Thanks for joining us, Miss Isard. As a student, which House were you in and what do you recall about your own Head of House?

I was in Tongerlo House with the wonderful Miss Garton as a Homeroom teacher. My Head of House in my final years at the College was Miss Bursey, or as some of the students would know her now as Mrs Dorfling. Miss Bursey was someone I really looked up to as a student. I think most, if not all students, were able to build a really positive relationship with her - she had a big heart and really cared for her students. 

What was your favourite subject and greatest achievement at school?

I think it is pretty obvious that my favourite subject was Physical Education. I did also really enjoy Outdoor Education and Drama. I am a very tactile learner and I need to be hands-on so anything practical I enjoyed. I have a few achievements I am proud of from my time at school - I was lucky enough to be able to captain the College Swimming and Athletics Teams as well as being the Tongerlo House Captain. Looking back on those achievements is something I can be proud about. It’s humbling to think that you possess the qualities of a good leader and that your fellow peers look up to you as a leader. I was also the recipient of the Tongerlo ‘Denis Drake Award’ and a Principal’s Medallion in my final year at the College, so again it is very humbling to have your hard work and commitment recognised by the College. 

When reminiscing about College life, what springs to mind?  

I have so many memories from high school, however my favourite and the memories that me and my high school friends reminisce most about are all the amazing co-curricular opportunities we were given. The Inter-House and ACC carnivals, Year 9 Camp, Kairos, the Immersions and the social events like the Year 12 Ball. I think you can take these things for granted as a student and you don’t realise it at the time but these are the moments you make the most amazing memories with your friends. In 10 years’ time you probably won’t remember who you sat next to in Math class but you never forget the memories you make with friends at these experiences. 

How has St Norbert College changed since you were a student and what remains the same?

I think the really beautiful thing about the College is that the community feeling remains very much the same as it did when I was a student as well as the emphasis on House spirit and camaraderie. You really feel like you belong when you are a member of the St Norbert College community. I think the things that have changed most would be the amazing new facilities and the study opportunities the students have available to them now. The facilities that the students have at their fingertips just get better every year. We are so lucky to have the new Xanten Performing Arts Centre; it is an amazing space. With the addition of Year 7s to the College the year after I graduated also meant the additions of the Cappenburg and Brother Pat classrooms, and who could forget the amazing the café which is also a very nice upgrade. 

My favourite change would be the continual growth of subjects available and the pathways students have available to them now. When I was a student, it was TEE or a general and now the students have a Vocational Pathway where they have the opportunity to undertake Traineeships, attend Tafè and complete Certificates in so many different areas. This means those students who don’t take the ATAR pathway are able to finish school job ready or have the relevant qualifications for university entrance.  

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I think my own positive experience at school and in particular some of the teachers that I had as a student was very much an integral part of my decision to become a teacher. I remember the way they made feel as a student and the impact they had on my life, and I honestly admired them. I want to be that inspiration for others. As for choosing Physical Education as my teaching area, I have always really loved sport and was involved in every sport you could imagine growing up, so I think that was a natural progression for me. 

What did you enjoy most about your previous role as a teacher of Physical Education at SNC?

Physical Education teachers consider ourselves lucky because the vast majority of students do enjoy our subject, they enjoy being outdoors, being active and interacting with their friends. We often get to see a side to students and build relationships with students that other subject teachers are unable to. Being a physical education teacher also means you are involved heavily in co-curricular activities and we often spend a lot of time at training session and competitions. When we see the students, we are able to get to know them more personally and in an environment that they thrive in so we do get the best experiences with them and I think with that we are able to build really strong and positive relationships with students. 

What have you enjoyed so far about being Head of House?

The pastoral care side of teaching is by far my favourite thing and is something I have strived for since starting my teaching career.  I love the fact that students feel comfortable enough to seek support and guidance from me and it is so rewarding when you are able to work with students and sometimes their families to make a positive impact on a student’s life.

Why is it important for students to give their all to their House?

As the saying goes you only get out what you put in. I believe if students want to have the most enjoyable and memorable time at the College they need to give 100% of themselves. Our College House structure is very special, you really feel like part of a family and in that family everyone has a role to play and others are counting on us. There are so many opportunities for students to contribute whether that be academically or athletically. Do yourself proud and when your time comes to graduate, I hope every student feels proud of themselves and what they were able to contribute to the College and their House. 

What are your plans for Prémontré House?

I hope that I am able to bring a few fresh ideas to the House and recreate a bit of excitement amongst the students and staff this year. Ultimately, I want to create a positive and accepting culture within the House, where everyone is driven and proud to represent Prémontré. I want every student to be thankful that they are a member of Prémontré House. Winning isn’t everything but I think If we can achieve the above, success is inevitable. 

Is blue now your favourite colour?

Of course it is! The blue House shirt is definitely my favourite of all the Houses. 

 Mrs L Quartermain

(Community Relations and Marketing)