Staff in Focus

Q&A with . . . Tracey La Vanda

Our Head of Year 7 joined St Norbert College at the start of this year along with all 170 incoming students in the Class of 2028. It’s not the first connection Mrs La Vanda has had with the College, though, having been a parent here, too!

St Norbert News:  Please tell us a bit about yourself, Mrs La Vanda . . . 

TLV: I was born in London and raised in Kent. We moved to Regional NSW when I was in year 9 and although I didn’t realise at the time, I attended an AG school! I just thought all Australian High Schools had sheep.

I worked for a very long time in the finance industry performing a number of roles from financial advisor to training and development. It was while working in training and development that I had the opportunity to work under the RTO banner with new employees fresh out of school, helping them to achieve there Certificates III & IV in Finance. Thinking back, this was probably when I first thought about teaching. I studied my teaching degree with Edith Cowan University and graduated in 2013. Whilst my degree was originally in Primary education, I spent only a year in a primary school, securing a role in the Year 7 Transition Centre for my second year teaching. I was given many opportunities in my previous school and have had the privilege of being House Coordinator, Acting HOY 7 and Christian Service Learning Coordinator. Two of my three daughters are St Norbert Alumni, and returning to the community has been wonderful with so many familiar faces. I am currently studying through Notre Dame University and with God’s grace, will finish my Master’s degree this semester. 

SNN: Do you have any hidden talents (or hobbies)?

I love to read! I don’t have a favourite genre and will read everything from murder/mystery to corny romance novels. I am a firm believer that anyone that says they don’t read just hasn’t found the right book yet. I also like to garden. I’m not very good at it, but I enjoy being outside and watching my garden grow.

SNN: What inspired you to become a teacher?

Working with school leavers to help them obtain their Certificates III & IV was the catalyst.

I did think about Policing for a very short time but teaching won out and I haven’t looked back since.

SNN: What are some of your fondest teaching memories?

As a High School teacher we have the privilege of watching our students grow and mature as they transition to adulthood.

I will always remember the first group of year 7s that I watched graduate as year 12s and how proud I was of them all.

SNN: When did your daughters attend and what are your memories of their experience and of being a parent here?  

Chloe and Emma graduated in 2006 & 2007 respectively. They took full advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that were offered when they were here, playing on the soccer team, joining SRC and leading the first Kairos retreat when our friends at Trinity College handed it to us (thanks Mr Harvey for getting Emma through that one). Both girls still have their best friends from their time here at the College and always speak so fondly of their experiences. From a parental perspective, I knew that my girls were nurtured when they needed it, challenged to do their very best and respected for their individuality. 

SNN: What have been the highlights of your new role so far?

The swimming carnival was pretty awesome … really proud of the Kilnacrott year 7s as they all participated on the day. It’s been great getting to know all the students that I am teaching along with the year 7 cohort. I still have a few names to go but have set my goal for the end of term.

SN: Please tell us about the Year 7 transition program which is currently under way.

 Year 7 Transition is a combination of many things that is ongoing throughout the year to assist in the move from primary to high school. So far this term the focus has been on getting to know each other and the teachers, the year 7 Peer Support program (year 11 buddies) and a general settling in period. Still to come this term is the Activity day and Retreat which I am really looking forward to.

SNN: In three words, how would you describe the Class of 2028?

Only three? Kind, friendly and inquisitive.

Mrs L Quartermain

(Community Relations and Marketing)