Alumnae Reflects

Q. What drew you back to Launceston Grammar?

A. Grammar is home for me. The strong sense of community that I experienced as a student here never left. I have always felt part of something special here, whether that is on the student or teaching side of things. The mission statement of Nurture, Challenge, and Inspire really speaks volumes to me, as I see first-hand every day, those nurturing, challenging and inspiring moments in and around the school. I studied abroad and lived on the mainland for a period, but always felt like I would return to the island one day. I am just thrilled that it happened to be back at Grammar.

Q. What do you love most about your role here?

A. I am employed as a Science Teacher, and teach across the trajectory of Science, Grades 7 to 10. I love the diversity and feel that this is a real strength in my practice. I can see the trajectory of skills from Grades 7 to 10 so I can both differentiate students that may need more help and time, but also understand the pathway into TCE and extend into that for students that show a keen interest in this.

I love being part of the Science faculty. They are very upbeat, dynamic, professional, well organised, and supportive of each other. I am very passionate about science, particularly as a female engaged in the subject area. I want to inspire more females into the field. It is a real passion of mine, to the point where I am a bit geeky.

My role at Grammar is not just about the subject roles in science. I have diversity in my role here, particularly in the pastoral care side of things. I’m also a tutor group teacher, so love being part of the pastoral care that needs to sit front and foremost. The vertical support programmes found in tutor groups and house structure, where students are mixed, is such an integral part of Grammar. Students are supported by a teacher that is known to them, but also older students in these groups.

I really enjoy my sport too. I have been involved in tennis this year and appreciate the opportunity to get to know students outside of the classroom.

Q. What do you believe are the strengths of Grammar?

A. Two things; The strong sense of community, but also how students are at the centre of everything we do here – every decision, every teachable moment, our students are always at the heart of it all. A lot of schools throw that term around, but it really means something here at Grammar.

I think both of those things are so important at this stage in a student’s life. They’re trying to find themselves and work out their place in the world. It’s important for them to be a part of something, feel that sense of community within themselves and have that support network of both staff and students around them. That is a massive strength of Grammar.

There are extremely talented teaching staff here, (especially in the Science department – I love our faculty). When quality teaching, curriculum and relationships align, those three things create an optimal environment for student success.

Q. What are you excited about as far as the school’s future directions?

A. It is a time of growth for the school and a time for change. I’m excited to see where the new Senior Leadership Team take the school. The added emphasis on pastoral care and the house groups is incredible and I am excited to see this model extend into more areas of the school. It all links back into that sense of community that Grammar is so well known for. It’s important that students know their place in the world and that it’s not just about academic outcome. It is about building people with strong skill sets, that are active and confident contributors.

The school is also currently undertaking a wellbeing focus, delivering The Resilience Project. Urgent action is needed to tackle Australia’s youth mental health crisis and this programme teaches positive mental health strategies to prevent mental illhealth and build young people’s capacity to deal with adversity. I’m excited to see where this initiative goes and how it will positively impact our students and their lives.