New Staff
Meet Veronica Fong
Individuals & Societies (7/9/10)
Language & Literature (9/10)
Home Room (9)
Tell us a little about yourself
My life’s journey has taken both expected and unexpected turns so far, which makes it a real adventure. I did not begin with a teaching career straight away as I felt that gaining life experience was an imperative part of becoming a great teacher. After university I moved overseas, travelled the world and worked at different types of jobs. Even after becoming a teacher, I’ve stepped out of teaching periodically and explored a number of interesting roles within the education industry. Now, with more than eight years of secondary teaching experience, I also bring with me knowledge and skills that I have accumulated as an education program manager, facilitator and public speaker, education consultant, curriculum advisor and trainer. Teaching is one of the few professions out there that is truly creative, adaptable and rewarding. It gives me great joy to see the learning process unfold for each student. My philosophies are: (1) anyone is teachable, (2) every concept can be learnt, and (3) teachers are here to guide, inspire and enable success for every student.
What brings you to Preshil?
Considering my diverse, unique and rich background in education and teaching, I felt called to apply for the position at Preshil. It presented a rare opportunity for me to continually expand, challenge and better myself both professionally and personally. This is important to me, as someone who is a champion for self-actualisation and evolution. To begin with, I will dedicate my efforts into settling in by getting to know the students and staff and be immersed in the values that underpin our community. I am delighted to join this amazing community at Preshil.
What do you hope to achieve while at Preshil?
I’d like to both continue the stellar traditions of high-calibre teaching and learning at Preshil and, at the same time, exponentialize the pedagogical practices here by further adding ideas and strategies. I hope that my students each feel valued and enjoy my classes. Also, I hope that they find intrinsic value in their studies.
What inspires you when you are not teaching?
My interests include music (in particular, singing), exploring forests, mountains and oceans, running and promoting sustainable fashion events, animals, travel, philosophy and food. I am very interested in personal growth, the human potential and exploring human consciousness, along with every topic that concerns this area. I often wonder… what if the real purpose of life is to have fun, and everything else exists just to enable fun?
Meet Simon Gooding
Science (7/8/10)
Chemistry (11/12)
Tell us a little about yourself
I grew up in the south-eastern suburbs in a big family full of teachers. I went to Monash University and studied biomedical science and chemistry, conducting chemistry research and teaching undergraduate science and planning to be a career scientist. After resisting ‘the family trade’ for a long time, I finally caved in and became a teacher. To do this I completed the Teach For Australia program and then worked at Wesley and Scotch Colleges. I believe that a good understanding of Science is vital to everybody in the modern world.
What brings you to Preshil?
I have come to share in the exciting learning community at Preshil. I really enjoyed teaching the MYP and DP programmes in the past and look forward to guiding students through the breath-taking Science that runs the universe.
What do you hope to achieve while at Preshil?
I hope my students will really get a chance to ‘swim about’ in Science and increase their ability to explain our amazing universe, possibly even taking up the call and pursuing rewarding STEM careers. I look forward to learning from the amazing staff at Preshil and developing my teaching practice.
What do you love to do with your free time?
At present much of my spare time is taken up with raising my beautiful baby boy and helping my wife. When I get a chance, I love to tinker away in my home workshop on woodworking, electronics and random projects. One of my favourite things is to repair bikes for charity.
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I believe that service to the community beyond work and family life is a cornerstone of our culture. I have been a volunteer firefighter since I was in Year 11 (almost two decades ago). I also ride a classic motorcycle. Don’t go thinking I’m a thrill-seeking adrenaline-junkie though, both of these pursuits are a little bit scary and always encourage me to think safety first!
Meet Rose Fearon
Music (8/9/10)
Physical & Health Education (8/9/10)
Tell us a little about yourself
Following in the footsteps of my three older sisters, I started my schooling at Preshil in Prep. I completed my senior years and Degree at Victorian College of the Arts and went on to perform as a musician for many years before becoming a teacher. I have taught in a wide range of schools including Penleigh and Essendon Grammar, Wesley, Marcellin and The Woodleigh School.
What do you hope to achieve while at Preshil?
I have always been interested in how Preshil has progressed since I was a student so am excited to join the team. I hope to encourage a lifelong love of independent learning in students by teaching confidence to achieve.
What do you love to do with your free time?
I enjoy racing keel boats on Port Phillip Bay and beyond, as well as regular walks all over Vic with a special group of friends and we always aim to leave every peep and space better than we found it...
Meet Julia Strentz
Learning Support
Tell us a little about yourself
I have worked in many different school settings in a variety of States and Territories over my 30 year teaching career. I have worked in a variety of leadership positions, including Wellbeing and Learning Support, and bring to this new role at Preshil a wealth of experience and insight.
What do you hope to achieve while at Preshil?
I love working with individuals to help them unlock their gifts and talents and believe that our abilities and passions far outweigh the challenges presented by our shortcomings. I have heard wonderful things about the community at Preshil and look forward to this next chapter of my life with the students, parents and teachers at this progressive school.
What do you love to do with your free time?
In my spare time I enjoy being close to nature, jazz/funk music and painting. I am a mother of six children, four of which are still in secondary school, making for a very busy house. I hope you will all feel free to get in touch with me to support extra learning needs. I look forward to meeting families in the coming weeks and continuing the journey with you, as we work together to help each other shine.