Secondary Teacher of the Year 2016
Years at WHS
• 2003 – 2007
Journey after School
In my first year after year 12 I worked three jobs and then travelled overseas to Europe for 3 months. The following year I began a Bachelor of Arts at Flinders University and then transferred to a Bachelor of Education (Middle/Secondary School Teaching) the following year. In mid 2013 I graduated university and went straight out to the Anangu Yankunytjatjara Pitjantjatjara lands in far north South Australia to teach in the community of Mimili. I’ve just finished up on 6 years of teaching there as the secondary class teacher and then student learning coordinator. I am now going to do some further study and travel up to Cape York to a community called Aurukun to do some relief teaching and learn more about our Indigenous cultures in Australia.
Career highlights
In 2016 I won the SA public teaching award for ”best secondary teacher” which was a great opportunity to celebrate working in an Anangu community, building strong relationships and engaging secondary students in various ways to achieve their SACE.
Favourite Subject
Physical Education, specifically Volleyball. I was obsessed with volleyball in high school and still am. I enjoyed the opportunity to make friends across the school through playing the sport and the lunch time games. I loved the experience of going and playing in Melbourne each year and the teachers were very supportive.
Favourite School memory
Going to Melbourne each year for the Australian Schools Volleyball Cup competition.
Advice for WHS students
Do your best to stay in school and complete year 12, but don’t stress over your ATAR score as there’s lots of pathways and options to get you where you want to go. Find yourself a reliable and good group of friends and enjoy the opportunities and experiences that high school life offers. Read lots, be a critical thinker, be flexible, use initiative and be kind.