What's your role at Wahroonga Preparatory School?

I am the Head of Wahroonga Preparatory School (WPS). I have the privilege of working with staff, students , parents and the community ensuring our students receive outstanding teaching and learning as well as opportunities to grow socially, emotionally and spiritually. My role includes developing and implementing the School’s Strategic Plan ensuring the core values of Faith, Wisdom, Compassion, Integrity and Courage are embedded in all we do.

How long have you been with the School?

I commenced as Director of Staff K-6 and Head of K-2 at Knox Prep in 2012 . However, my association as a parent and an Aunty of Knox boys goes back to 1994.

What’s a typical day look like for you?

A typical day commences early greeting staff, sometimes early morning meetings followed by shaking hands with every student at the front of the School at 8.20am. Most days involve meetings with staff and parents and includes interviewing new enrolments. Wahroonga Prep is a very busy school. There are always different learning experiences , excursions, assemblies, targeted projects and special events. We host many parent events and there are often visitors coming to see the School. My role includes hosting visitors, leading School Tours and caring for the wellbeing of staff and students.

What three things do you love most about working at WPS?

The students, the staff and the parents.

What or who inspired you to pursue a career in education?

I was extremely fortunate to have an excellent education at outstanding schools. In primary school, I had the same teacher for Years 3 and 4 and the same teacher for Years 5 and 6. Both teachers were outstanding and inspiring. They developed my love of learning and my passion for education.

What part of your role do you gain the most joy?

My favourite day of the week is Tuesday when we start the day with our weekly Chapel service in St John’s Church. The whole school, PK to Year 6 attends, as well as all the staff and many parents. I also enjoy assemblies when the entire school gathers together to celebrate the learning of their peers. Each class, including Pre-Kindergarten, leads the weekly assemblies, and parents attend, so the entire Wahroonga Prep community celebrates the learning.

Why did you join Knox and WPS?

I joined Knox in a leadership position. Having been in leadership roles in girls’ schools for many years I was interested in joining the Knox community. My personal core values match the Knox values and I knew that I wanted to be leading in a school which valued high academic standards as well as the wellbeing of each student, and a school which provided opportunities for staff and students to grow academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

What is the secret to good teaching and inspiring our young people?

The secret is building relationships with students and making sure each student knows you care about them, you value their individuality and their strengths. It is essential that students know that you want the best opportunities for them and that you are guiding them to help them grow into the best version of themselves that they can be. We want all of our students to grow into caring humans who can contribute positively to our world.

What achievement are you most proud of?

I get great joy from hearing about ex-staff members who started working with me at Knox, as student teachers or as new graduates, and in some cases they were students who I actually taught in primary school and they have gone on to further their careers in teaching, or in other leadership positions. I enjoy having past students come to visit me or to stop me in the street to tell me about their careers or their achievements since leaving school.

I am extremely proud of the success of Wahroonga Preparatory School. Our school has tripled in size since 2015 and continues to flourish.

What’s your leadership style and why have you found this to be successful?

I would say my leadership style is relational. I aim to allow staff to have safe opportunities to lead and to grow. A supportive work environment and a positive school culture with an emphasis on wellbeing is a high priority and one we work hard at maintaining.

What impact do you hope to leave on your students?

I hope our Knox students are grateful for the many opportunities which they have to receive a high quality education in a safe, supportive learning environment. I hope that each student values and appreciates the sacrifice from parents and the hard work and dedication of the staff and that when they leave Knox they are outstanding examples of all that is right and true and just. I hope that each student uses their education and the values they have learnt at Knox by serving others in the community, or being an advocate for social justice, or an excellent role model of good manners, kindness and ethical qualities.

What is the biggest challenge facing the education sector at the moment? What would you like to see in the future or how do you intend to help fix the problem?

I believe one of the biggest challenges facing the education sector at the moment is time. Our families are working long hours, children are in long day care from an early age so quality time with families is challenging and children need time to build relationships, to reduce anxiety and to feel secure and loved. I worry about our youngest children who thrive on time to play, to listen to stories being read, to not be rushed and to enjoy the moment. I worry about our primary aged children who are over committed with extra curricular activities and stressed because of lack of time. Education should not feel like a race. I dream about our children having time to enjoy the educational journey, knowing there are many pathways to future careers. School days should be some of the happiest times of their lives.

Who are you outside of Knox?

Outside of Knox, I am a wife, a parent and just recently a grandparent to a beautiful baby boy. I enjoy travelling around the world and when home I play tennis, swim, waterski, read and go to the theatre.

What advice would you give to anyone joining Knox?

Knox is a very welcoming place to work. There are many opportunities for Professional Development and staff dedicated to assist teachers with their personal Accreditation. The expectations and standards are very high and everyone works extremely hard but the fulfilment one gains from the collaboration and the positive school culture make it a joy to come to school.

Be authentic, be honest, be a team player, be positive and encouraging to others.