Meet a Teacher
Mrs Georgiana Rice
Life before Girton
When I graduated from university in 2012 I taught at Girton Grammar School as a Drama and Dance teacher for six months. I was also working as an Integration Aide to a number of students in both the Junior and Senior School.
In Term 3 of 2012 I started working at Castlemaine Primary School. I taught in various roles during my time there. In 2012 I taught as a French teacher. In 2013 I taught in a composite 1/2 class. In 2014 I shared a classroom as well as teaching French. This was an excellent experience as I really developed my skills in collaborating and team teaching. I returned to classroom teaching again in 2015 where I taught in a composite Prep/One classroom.
From 2016 I have been teaching Year Two at Girton Grammar School. This year I am excited to be teaching Junior School Drama and Year One.
Education:
2008-2010 Bachelor of Arts – Melbourne University
2011 Diploma of Education – La Trobe University (Bundoora)
VCE: Girton Grammar School
What I Love about Teaching
I love working with the students! Every day is exciting and no two days are the same. I love witnessing when children have that “light globe moment” when they have learnt something new for the first time. Its so rewarding seeing children develop and celebrate new skills.
The best part about working at Girton Grammar is the students and my colleagues. I am surrounded by colleagues with a wealth of wisdom who are dedicated and passionate about their students.
What do you like best about the year level you teach? (Junior School Teachers only)
Students love drama! They enjoy the opportunity to express themselves creatively and collaborate with their friends. The students love having the opportunity to perform in the Junior School Production. This is the culmination of Junior School Drama for the Year Six students who discover the world of theatre through auditions, rehearsals, costume and make up. The energy and enthusiasm of the students performing is electrifying and seeing the students perform confidently and with such pride is the most rewarding part of my job.
My favourite classroom activity
My favourite drama activities are our body, face and voice warm up activities. These games are short, often requiring high energy and are really fun. The students have the opportunity to develop their rhythm, coordination and confidence while also developing respect for those around. I also love activities which involve dancing and yoga poses. The students often laugh and smile and enjoy moving to the music or telling a story through their poses.
What difference can good teaching make?
Everyone remembers their favourite teachers from school and often these are the teachers that have had a positive impact on the student’s social, emotional and academic needs. A good teacher takes the time to really get to know their students. They listen to their students, show empathy and have excellent patience. Most importantly, they know how to make learning fun and they don’t take themselves too seriously. I hope that my students feel valued, confident and empowered. I hope they can perform proudly whether it is in front of their peers or on stage to a filled auditorium.
Other Hats
My co-curricular activity for the past two years has been basketball. I have also been involved in choreographing dances and scenes for the Junior School productions of Seussical, The Lion King and Alice In Wonderland. I have also assisted in choreographing dances for the Junior School students who participated in the Speech Night Spectacular.
Outside of work I like participating in Body Pump classes and ballet lessons. I enjoy reading a good book, going for bush walks and spending time in the garden with my basset hounds. I love watching ballet and opera performances and most weekends over the winter you’ll find me at Marvel Stadium cheering on St Kilda.