Welcome new staff: Part 3

More about our new faces 2017

Over the last editions, we have brought you profiles of some of the newest members of the Northcote High School staff. Here is the third and final instalment of this series. We hope you have enjoyed getting to know our staff.

Rohan Bevan - Design teacher

I graduated with an honours degree in Industrial Design from RMIT in 2009. Working predominantly on bespoke architectural joinery projects, I developed skills in project management, collaborative design, manufacturing and design detailing. After a number of years in industry, I tested the educational waters taking a position as Design and Technology Technician at Carey Baptist Grammar School, and went on to complete a Graduate Diploma of Education with methods in Technology and VET in 2014.

I have since been working at Patterson River Secondary College, where as Design and Technology Domain Leader I led the development of a refreshed junior design and technology curriculum, introduced 3D printing, trained staff in the use of CAD CAM technologies and taught Design and Technology from Years 7 through to VCE. Outside of the classroom, I have recently been elected to the Design and Technology Teachers Association Victoria board with a view to support the further development of the learning area. I look forward to working in a dynamic school that critically examines the way secondary education is done in the 21st century.

Jack O'Shea - PE teacher

I have recently completed a Master of Secondary Teaching at Melbourne University through which my teaching methods are PE, Health and Math. Prior to this, I have a background in exercise science and have spent the past six years working in health and fitness, focussing my attention towards working with both elite athletes in high performance environments and general populations throughout corporate workplace settings and local gyms. It was during these experiences that I discovered my passion for education, particularly when working with adolescents. 

Outside of work I have keen interest in all sports. As a kid, I spent most of time playing football, basketball and surfing. I’m still currently playing football and am looking forward to watching the hawks bounce back in 2017 and squeeze in one more premiership. I’m also a keen traveller, having spent 2014 backpacking around Europe and more recently spending time in Asia and South America.

I’m excited to be joining the Northcote High community and am looking forward to building strong relationships with fellow staff and students. One of Northcote’s key elements that attracted me to apply was the diversity within the school.

Julian Perry - Music teacher

The son of a nurse and a teacher, and the brother of a firefighter I grew up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. As a child I could be found playing outdoors with my brother and the dogs or making music and dancing around the lounge room. At age 5 I began learning the violin, and piano and singing lessons followed soon after. These early experiences really shaped who I am today. I’ve always loved creative arts and their ability to value-add to our lives and foster community spirit. In my early teens I trained as a dancer earning a Diploma in Dance with the Australian Ballet School and am grateful for the discipline and motivation that this instilled in me. Yet it wasn’t until late high school that I discovered one of my greatest passions; foreign language. In year 11 I travelled to Germany and France on long-term exchange, later returning to both countries to complete the majority of undergraduate studies. Returning to Australia in late 2013, I gained a double degree in Classical Music Performance (Opera/Piano) and Modern Languages (French/German) from Monash University in conjunction with the Hans Eisler Conservatorium in Berlin. While abroad, I worked both as a sommelier and wine merchant throughout Western Europe and in Adult English Education. Since returning to Melbourne I have continued teaching in a German community school which I enjoy immensely. My initial teaching experiences have encouraged me to pursue a career in education and last year I completed my Master of Secondary Teaching at Monash University.  

Katie Turner - Science teacher

I am a recent graduate of Monash University’s Masters of Teaching program and I am a Science and Biology teacher. I completed a Bachelor of Science at Monash University majoring in physiology. I took a few years off between my Bachelors and Masters in order to travel and work. A large number of my family members are teachers and I have always been inspired by their work. Additionally, I love learning and I am keen to explore a career that will allow me to constantly develop new skills and pass on my passion for science.

 I am most looking forward to immersing myself into this school and its community. Northcote High School has a wonderful reputation amongst fellow teachers as an incredibly supportive and caring school in which to start my career. Of course I still have apprehensions and questions that will arise as new challenges come up. As a graduate teacher the biggest apprehension I have is getting my head around the detailed curriculum requirements. However, from my experiences so far I can see that I will be well supported by the other staff members.