Meet Joanna Chan ‘10, Primary Psychologist

Q&A With Joanna Chan ‘10

AISHK Alumna and Primary School Psychologist

Join us as we speak with AISHK Alumna and Primary School Psychologist, Joanna Chan, about the pathway to her career, advice for students and fond memories of her AISHK scool days.

Can you share a bit about your study and career path since leaving school? Have you always had an interest in psychology? What led to work in the education field with students?

I took IB Biology in Year 11 and 12 and really enjoyed learning topics around genetics, pathology and human anatomy. I knew I wanted to get into the health industry and thought Psychology may be an option. Fast forward 11 years later, I completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) at the Australian National University and a Masters of Professional Psychology at Macquarie University. I received my training and completed my registration as a Psychologist in Sydney. I have worked in early intervention centres, community clinics before I got into the education field with the NSW Department of Education.

What does a typical work day look like for you at AISHK?

My typical work day usually involves seeing students, attending at least one meeting (either with parents, teachers, the LEC, student services, or with management); planning and reviewing my sessions; completing session notes and admin work. If I have time at recess, I like to head down to the field and spend my time with the primary students.

I enjoy it the most when I am able to connect with the students in my sessions. It’s very important to me that students feel safe and trusted at the school. Also when I see progress in the students I work with or hear positive feedback from teachers and parents - it certainly is a rewarding moment when I am able to make an impact, even if it’s a small one!

Were there any specific skills or “tools for life” you gained at AISHK which you were able to utilise after leaving school?

AISHK has helped me to develop cultural awareness and openness to diversity when interacting with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Growing up in a multicultural environment like AISHK, I naturally became interested in learning new languages and that has prompted me to take up three years of learning Korean as an elective at university. In addition to English, I am also a fluent speaker of Cantonese and Mandarin.

Do you have any funny/fond memories of your time as a student at AISHK?

When I was in Year 11, I remember one weekend I had to complete my Silver training expedition for outward bound where we had to hike and spend a night camping in the mountains of Sai Kung. While we were enjoying the outdoor camping experience , we were also slightly worried about the upcoming Economics test which happened to take place the following Monday. We were fortunate enough to have our Economics teacher to be the AYP organiser at that time, so the group spent a night talking about inflation and exchange rates…in the middle of nowhere.