Meet Mr Michael Searl
Position at Clarendon: Head of Boys Boarding
- How long have you been working at Clarendon?
I began my role as Head of Boys Boarding House at the start of 2023, although I worked as a boarding house tutor throughout Term 4 of 2022. - What do you teach?
I teach Year 5 and 6 English and Year 7 History. I have been fortunate enough to have taught a range of subjects throughout my teaching career that has spanned from a small rural school in regional Victoria to a large school in East London. - What do you enjoy most about your role as Head of Boys Boarding?
I have enjoyed getting to know the boys in the house and learning about their needs and interests. It is my goal to create an environment where each boarder feels valued and supported so they can achieve their best. I have also loved watching my two children, Lexi (6) and Fred (3), be welcomed by the boarding community and wanting to spend time with the boarders. The connections that our children are making with boarders was a reason we were keen to take on this opportunity and we are so grateful that they can be surrounded by positive role models. - Aside from your teaching role, have you taken part in any other activities with the students?
So far, I have enjoyed a closed weekend of activities with the boarders and watching them interact and work together. I was able to enjoy some rides with some of the students at Adventure Park, but the highlight of the weekend was seeing our senior students really look out for the junior and new boarders. - Tell us about your time as a student at Clarendon.
I arrived at Clarendon for the beginning of Year 10 and noticed immediately that support was all around me. Through the opportunities provided to me, I discovered what I wanted to do, and the values and culture of the school shaped the person I am today. I was fortunate enough to be a boarding house student and I still talk about it today with pride as I recount my time in the house. Of course, the school has changed incredibly over that time, but the culture of striving to be the best we can be and continuing to learn is still evident as it was when I was a student. - What else do you like to do in your spare time?
Our family love to holiday at the beach and travel to our favourite spot, Point Lonsdale. I have always been involved in sport and have coached and played football in Ballarat for several years. I would like to improve my golf game, but spending time with my kids and seeing their participation in sport is something I look forward to.