Welcome new staff 

Joining our community : Part 3

We are delighted to have a significant number of new staff join our community this year, with a great breadth of experience from teaching and beyond. Over the next couple of newsletters we will bring you a short introduction to each of them. 

Please say hello when you see them around. 

Khairul-Bariya Khan

I’m a recently graduated teacher with a background in Psychology and Science. I had the chance to complete my degree through a research pathway, which has cemented my interest in informed teaching practice, student wellbeing, and parental influence in the development of student motivation. I’ve also worked as an integration aide and student mentor throughout my tertiary education, which has increased my passion towards working in educational environments and with students.   Additionally, I am also passionate about the creative arts! I’ve illustrated a series of children’s books and have also done some freelance work. My long-term goal is to complete my doctorate in educational psychology, and work as a creative arts therapist.   NHS embodies my own personal and professional values, and I am incredibly excited to work in an environment that I believe will only assist in the development of my best teaching practice. I’m also looking forward to volunteer in the theatre and drama club (I love costume and set design), and the STEAM club – which ties two of my own passions together.

Simon Kearney

Simon has been a Secondary English Teacher for over seven years. He is passionate about verbal and written communication and wishes to share that passion with the students he teaches. Simon discovered a love of learning during his first degree at Latrobe University. As a late entrant to the professional, he has a wealth of experience in other industries such as building and construction, publishing, performing arts and sales and marketing. The University experience awakened an inquiring attitude as Simon was exposed to a variety of approaches to text and several niche history subjects. Simon attempts to provide students with a dynamic and engaging learning environment that will allow them to grow into positive global citizens. 

Prior to joining the team at Northcote High School, Simon taught in the Outer Eastern regions at Boronia K-12 College, Rowville Secondary College and Wantirna College. He has taught all year levels from seven to twelve and has some experience in the primary context. Simon has completed a Masters of Writing and Literature in which his thesis was a collection of short stories accompanied by an academic exegesis. His work explored the experience of education from various points of view and investigated popular culture representations of schools and teachers.

Kate Smart

Hi, I’m Kate Smart and I’m so excited to be joining the teaching and learning community of NHS. I began teaching 20 years ago, although for the last six and a half years, I’ve been on family leave. I’ve taught English and Humanities in Melbourne and in the UK over my career. I’ve also co-ordinated years 10, 11 and 12, as well mentor University of Melbourne teacher candidates. My undergraduate degree was in English Literature and Art History, where my life long love of art began. I’ve been lucky enough to see many of my favourite paintings in Europe. I’ve also lived in the UK and Canada. Seeing Blue Poles in the National Gallery in Canberra remains high on my to-do list. I love travelling and would say Japan is easily one of the best places I’ve been to, and we can’t wait to go back with the kids one day. I have a Masters in Global Media Communication, with an interest in blogging and the monetisation of the Internet. I’m almost at the end of my Masters in Education (Literacy) and I’m hoping to complete this in the next few years. I can’t wait to get know everyone at NHS better.