Staff Profile: Tristan Hill Middle Years Coordinator

What are the three books that you think everybody should read in their lifetime and why?

The first is the Dhammapada. It purports to be a collection of the sayings of the Buddha. It presents a collection of beautiful teachings that use agrarian and very simple but powerful analogies to convey profound Buddhist teachings.

The next is Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman. Sum presents a series of vignettes, little unexpected tales about the after-life (or lives). It is an amazing, short little book which will certainly leave you reflecting on the here and now by the end.

The last is Feed by M. T. Anderson. Feed explores themes of individuality, consumerism, and the impact of technology on human relationships, raising important questions about the price of progress and the value of genuine human connection.

What is the best advice you have ever received about teaching?

“Follow up. When you say you are going to do something, do it.” I learnt this attending a seminar on behaviour management with Bill Rogers. Following up and following through are essential in developing integrity and integrity is the necessary ingredient for teaching because teaching is relational. Without integrity there is no trust; no relationship at all.

Why did you choose teaching as a career?

Teaching is a dynamic and exciting discipline –the expectations change as do the methods and technologies to achieve these ends. It is a privilege to share my passions and experience every day as a Humanities, English and Philosophy teacher. Helping my students develop their capacities, understanding and character, opening their minds to the world as it was, is and may one day become is a continuing honour.

What is the best part of your day at Shelford and why?

The best part of the day is any part that means I can be with the students! That’s not to say that don’t admire and enjoy the company of my colleagues, nor that I don’t enjoy my weekend, but I just enjoy talking with and making jokes with my students, seeing how they engage with others and supporting them in their endeavours in the classroom, on the stage or on the field.

What do you believe are the emerging trends in girls’ education?

The more I read and reflect on the unique features of girls’ education, the more I am struck by the importance of girls’ education at the national or global level: Girls’ education plays a vital role in shaping a more equitable and prosperous society. Girls’ education promotes gender equality, as educated women are more likely to challenge harmful societal norms, advocate for rights, and participate in decision-making processes.

Schools are increasingly incorporating gender equality and social justice into their curriculum and extracurricular activities.

This includes addressing gender stereotypes in event texts and studies, promoting diversity and inclusivity within the community, and encouraging our girls to challenge societal norms and advocate for the issues that are important to them.

Shelford actively promotes leadership skills, empowering girls to become confident, self-assured individuals. These initiatives aim to instil a sense of agency and enable girls to become effective leaders in various spheres of life. An important component of this goal is the provision of multisectoral relationships and approaches with the tertiary sector but also in working with the alumni of the school and drawing on the examples of the many notable women who attended the school and can offer inspiration to our students.

Who and what inspires you?

My children and my students. I am constantly amazed at how resilient children are, at how determined and dynamic they are.

What is the one thing you hope your students remember you for?

I had a student once who described me as “brutally fair.” It was a compliment, or at least I think it was intended as a compliment!

I don’t think I had really thought of myself as such until then but being fair is a personal goal requiring listening carefully, patience, calm and a commitment to growth for everyone.

I hope I am remembered for my sense of humour. I have always thought that humour is an essential part of teaching, of being philosophical, and being engaged with other people. I think it’s so important not to take oneself too seriously.

I hope that my students remember me well and think, “For all that he was, he helped me.”

Marriages

Farewells

Our school Chaplain, Claire Cheeseman, is leaving Shelford to head overseas and enjoy an extended period of travel and adventure. We thank Claire for the outstanding work she has done in this position. Her warmth, open-mindedness and articulate presentations have brought the idea of faith alive in our community; encompassing the diversity of beliefs within Shelford.