Inclusion

Who is Deanna Poon?

Deanna Poon is our Tier 3 Inclusion Support coordinator. She has been working in the Education Support sector for 5 years now, first in primary school and now at Wantirna College.

Deanna’s role is to manage the day to day needs of our individually funded students. She runs student support group meetings with our parents and brings together Allied health professionals, teachers and our wonderful Inclusive Learning team in a network of support around the student. 

Deanna is currently studying her Masters in Inclusive Education, focusing on trauma informed practice. Her passion for trauma-informed support is clear and her patience working with our students is admirable. We’re so lucky to have her supporting Inclusive Practices at Wantirna College. Let’s get to know this very important member of the Inclusion Team….

Why did you decide to work in the Inclusion field?

I chanced upon this field by accident as I was overwhelmed by boredom being a stay-at-home mum for many years. Initially, I was unsure if I will fit into this area of work but I grew to enjoy it as time goes by and I am constantly challenged to learn new things.

What do you love most about this type of work?

I feel working with students is like solving mysteries or puzzles as it constantly allows me to remain curious and solve problems. This is one of the reasons why I love to work with neurodiverse students because I have learnt there is always more than one way to solve a problem! I love watching students grow to become the best individuals they can be, and knowing we can be part of shaping that process is really rewarding. 

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

1) During my free time, I enjoy playing puzzles or board games with family and friends. 

2) One of my dreams is to be a permaculturalist as I love spending time in natural environments! 

3) I am a lover of knowledge and I love learning new things all the time!

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Japan

What TV show / series did you last binge watch?

Sadly, I do not watch any TV series! I spent most of my time doing other things instead :)

If you had a chance to spend a day doing anything you liked, where would you go and what would you do?

One of my favourite books is 'Around the world in 80 days' by Jules Verne. I would like to travel to all the places of interest listed in the novel, discovering adventures, historical wonders and fantasies all within one single day! I think that will be a difficult task to achieve in one day but why not?!?

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

Never stop being curious in life, curiosity transforms impossibilities into possibilities.