Position: Head of Visual Arts Years 5-12
- How long have you been working at Clarendon?
I started working at Clarendon in 2004, so this is my 20th year. It’s incredible to think that, if you include my time here as a student, I have spent over half my life as part of the Clarendon community. - What does your current role entail?
My current role is Head of Visual Arts Years 5-12 and I’m also a Year 11 Sloss House Teacher. I teach senior Visual Communication Design and Middle School art classes. I have a degree in Graphic Design and I’m passionate about developing students’ practical skills so they can visually communicate their ideas. - Aside from your teaching role, what are some of the other roles you’ve undertaken or activities you’ve been involved in during your time?
I love live theatre and have been involved in the school musicals for many years. I have also led study tours to the USA and France. These experiences are hard work but very rewarding. They have provided me an opportunity to get to know students that might not pass through the Visual Arts department and to observe students outside their usual school environment. - What do you enjoy most about working at Clarendon?
The relationships that teachers at Clarendon have with the students makes it a special place to work. Supporting students to achieve their potential is a very satisfying way to spend your working day. I love how challenging and inspiring teaching is and no day is quite the same. I enjoy getting to know the students as individuals, watching them grow, develop and create things that they did not know were possible. I love seeing students I have taught going on to work in the Visual Arts but, no matter what they decide to do with their lives, it’s nice to think you have helped them on their journey.My two daughters, Jasmine (2019) and Milly (Year 12), attended Clarendon and it’s been lovely to see them experience their education at the same school I did. However, I’m sure having your mum at school is not always an easy thing!
- Tell us about your time as a student at Clarendon.
I started at Clarendon in Year 2 and progressed through to Year 12. Some of my best memories are associated with my time at school. I was part of the rowing program and I also enjoyed cricket. My favourite classes were Art and French. I achieved an Industry Award in Year 12 for working hard in my final year and I did my deb with the school in Year 11. The physical environment of the school has changed a lot over the years. Wanliss Square used to contain a house that was home to the Head of Boarding, the Junior School was where the Senior School is today, and Years 11 and 12 were based at Mair Street. The school has grown a lot over the last 30 years! - What else do you like to do in your spare time?
I am involved in the Ballarat Soccer Club and am Team Manager for the Senior Women. I love to travel and have been lucky enough to visit Europe, North and South America and Asia. In the next couple of years, I am planning a trip to India and Sri Lanka.
