Reports / Aspiration

Penni Maher

When you think back on your own education, who are the teachers that had the greatest influence on you? I remember my Grade 1 teacher, Miss Strike, who was kind and caring; she also loved mathematics and would spend time showing us the amazing patterns to be discovered in counting. I also recall Miss Brock from Grade 4 who took us on a journey around the world through cooking, music and pre-internet virtual sightseeing. In high school there was Mr Lee, my Grade 11 and 12 English teacher, who introduced me to the delights of Auden, Donne, Conrad and Hawthorne.

These amazing women and men ignited a passion for learning and a budding understanding of the breadth and depth of the world around me. They provided learning experiences that developed compassion, patience and wisdom while cultivating a sense of justice and humility. In truth, I was fortunate to have many great teachers, some of whom I try to emulate in my own classroom. What is it that makes a teacher great?

In my experience the common traits displayed by excellent educators are their obvious passion for their subject, their capacity to excite others to get hooked into lifelong learning, and a respectful care of students.

Our focus is on developing learners and leaders in all areas of the Launceston Grammar Identity, and the language we have chosen to encapsulate our identity speaks volumes about what we value. We are developing global, courageous, curious, creative and compassionate leaders and learners. What a privilege it is to have this as our mandate.

Penni Maher, Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning)