Spotlight On . . .

Hi Everyone,

It is a pleasure to share a part of my life with the Syndal South Community and have the Spotlight on me in this week’s newsletter.

I was educated in the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne and had wonderful experiences at the primary schools and grammar school I attended. My passion for music was established when I started learning how to play the piano from the age of 7 and then in grade 3, a very inspiring music teacher called Mrs Stickland taught me how to play the recorder. However, it was in grade 6 when I found the instrument that would define who I am today.

I adored playing the violin throughout high school. I played in two school orchestra’s, a string orchestra and string quartet. I was very lucky to travel to China and Taiwan  with a school ensemble and perform many exciting concerts, which were also televised on Taiwanese TV.

At secondary school I also developed my love of books. I studied English Literature in Years 11 and 12 and have treasured poets such as Sylvia Plath and Robert Frost ever since. If I was to be asked  to decide upon my favourite book, I would find that far too hard to answer, as there are so many amazing authors in the world. However,  I will say that  “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr is definitely one of  my top 5 favourite fictional stories.

After I finished secondary school I played my violin with the Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra, East Gippsland Pops Orchestra and the Victorian Symphony Youth Orchestra. I also embarked on a fantastic journey at teacher’s college and at the young age of 20 started teaching music at Orbost and Newmerella Primary Schools, located in far East Gippsland (a wonderful farming and timber community). Yard duty was very memorable as the front and back of my clothes would be covered in flies, attracted to the dung in the nearby cow paddocks.

However, the lights, restaurants and night clubs of the big city attracted me back to Melbourne. A beautiful new school in Rowville became my workplace for many, many years and I had a sensational time teaching students how to sing in my choirs, play recorder, or tackle harder ensemble pieces in the school band. Eventually, the lure of generalist classroom teaching caught my attention and my classroom career began.

During this time a handsome man attracted my eye and after he wooed me with purple tulips we were soon married and had a beautiful family. 

During these years I taught at Hartwell Primary School, Debney Meadows and then finally found my wonderful job here at Syndal South. My love and adventure for trying new things saw me teach before becoming an Assistant Principal: Music, prep, grade 1/2, 3/4 , 5/6, as well as a stint in teaching art whilst my children were little.

Ever since my first adventure to China and Taiwan as a young secondary student I always wanted to travel internationally. So, over the years I have had many exciting overseas adventures. Standing in front of the Trevi fountain in Rome and throwing coins over my shoulder to make a wish; visiting the home of famous artist Salvador Dali in Spain and sitting on his bright pink lips inspired seat; visiting the dusty blue glaciers of New Zealand and hearing them crackle and pop as they move from the pressure. We were so close in the speed boat. These are a few of my favourite memories from my travels.

This spotlight is just a small insight into my life and who I am.  I am very privileged to have an amazing family and career in education. 

I am very excited for November the 5th to arrive soon, to see all our students back on site. They can then share with their friends and teachers’ stories about their lockdown adventures.  Finally, I cannot wait until international travel opens up fully again, because Japan and Canada here I come.