What made you want to enter teaching?At first it was about the love of subjects, I’d always been a keen student, but I soon realised that being a teacher was much more rewarding than simply “teaching”. Working with young people, helping them navigate the teen years and aiding them to reach their goals has made everything so rewarding.
What do you like most about working in a school?I think it’s the changing nature — no two days are ever the same. I work with amazing people, every one of them has passion for what they do. Working with committed and creative colleagues is an absolute joy, and to top it off you have amazing students. Schools are simply fantastic places to work.
What are some of the changes to education that you have witnessed in your time as principal?There have been so many — we can reflect upon the building programs and the digital revolution that have both altered the way in which we operate, but over the 15 years or so there has been a real pedagogical focus. Teachers are much more circumspect about the work they do and that has resulted in deeper improvements to learning.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?I know that it’s about positive change and growth — results are all well and good, but the reward comes from individual stories, most of which go unnoticed by the majority of people. Schools are actually about individuals, and seeing positive outcomes for one person is all the reward we need.
What are some special achievements of your staff, students and the school that you are most proud of?I’m proud of so many things over the past decade. Our school has grown in stature, we are moving to co-education, our facilities are second to none, our students excel in a multitude of fields and our VCE results are simply outstanding. I’m proud that as a community we can share in these successes. It’s never about individuals standing out, taking the glory, it’s always about collective success born from collaborative effort and vision.
What hopes do you have for the future of your school?We have an incredibly bright future. We are transitioning to co-education in 2023 — this brings wonderful opportunities for growth, both in terms of student numbers and in terms of student opportunities. Our community spirit, our Mercy values, guide us and remain the foundation upon which we will build a future where every student can fulfil their potential.
What is your motto for running a successful school?Give 100 per cent, care 100 per cent and always smile — and you’ll never be disappointed.
In 2023, St Aloysius College proudly takes a bold step towards the future, becoming the first Catholic co-educational secondary school […]