Coming back to All Saints Grammar as a teacher was a surreal and incredible experience. The fantastic school culture, with its sense of community and creativity, deeply influenced my journey. My teachers’ passion and encouragement inspired me to pursue education, showing me the impact teachers can have. Standing at the front of the class, I felt a mix of nostalgia and excitement, eager to empower the next generation just as I was empowered. It’s a privilege to contribute to a place that shaped me so profoundly.

You’re a STEM teacher at our Secondary Campus. Why do you think STEM education is important and where do you see it headed?

STEM education is crucial because it equips students with problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity—essential for navigating our rapidly changing world. As technology evolves, the demand for STEM-related skills continues to grow, driving innovation and economic development. I see STEM education expanding beyond traditional boundaries, integrating interdisciplinary approaches that connect science, technology, engineering, and math to real-world applications. This will foster collaboration, enhance engagement, and prepare students to tackle complex global challenges, ensuring they are not just consumers of technology but creators and innovators.

Teaching Years 7-12 students is a big job, particularly as students get closer to Year 12. What do you enjoy most about teaching high school students in general, and STEM in particular?

Teaching high school students is incredibly rewarding, especially as they approach Year 12. I love witnessing their growth, curiosity, and independence. Engaging with them in STEM allows me to spark their interest in real-world applications, showing how concepts connect to their lives and future careers. The energy and enthusiasm, as their faces light up with joy, in the classroom during hands-on projects and experiments are contagious. I enjoy fostering a collaborative environment where students can explore ideas, solve problems, and develop confidence in their abilities. Watching them discover their passions and potential is what makes teaching so fulfilling.

Sometimes things go wrong, and in the moment, we are harsh on ourselves or others – often these situations teach us lessons and resilience. Can you describe a situation like this that applied to you (inside or outside of work), and share with us the benefits that arose?

Early in my teaching career, I was leading a science experiment that didn’t go as planned. The setup malfunctioned, causing a mess and frustration among the students. Initially, I felt embarrassed and harshly critiqued myself for not anticipating the issues. However, this situation turned into a valuable lesson in resilience. I took a moment to regroup and encouraged the students to brainstorm solutions together. This unexpected challenge sparked their creativity and teamwork, transforming a setback into an engaging learning experience. It taught me the importance of adaptability and the power of fostering a positive classroom environment, even when things don’t go as intended.

ASG enjoys a tight-knit vibrant community. What is it that you enjoy most about working here?

What I enjoy most about working at ASG is the sense of belonging within our tight-knit community. The collaboration among teachers, students, and families creates a supportive environment where everyone feels valued. I love the enthusiasm for learning that permeates the school, and how we celebrate each other’s successes, big or small. The genuine relationships foster a culture of respect and encouragement, allowing us to innovate in our teaching. Being part of such a vibrant community motivates me daily, knowing we’re all working together to inspire and empower our students. At the beginning of the year, Mr Rodriguez had said to me “Welcome home”, and in that moment I felt an immediate sense of belonging, but I also reflected how true those two words were, as ASG is home for me.

Sometimes we learn things about people that surprise us. Can you tell us something about yourself that might surprise staff and students?

One memorable experience that may surprise staff and students was when, during my time at ASG as a student, the school organised for us to participate in a children’s game show called “Pyramid.” It was very exciting and seeing myself on TV was very surreal. Looking back, it’s a vivid reminder of the incredible and unique opportunities ASG provides for its students.