What's your role at Knox?

I'm the Head of Junior Academy. As the Head of Junior Academy, I have operational oversight of all staff and students, plus associated programs, events and strategy, in the sub school for Years 7 and 8.

How long have you been with the School?

I have been a full-time teacher at Knox since the start of 2012.

What does a typical day look like for you at Knox?

A typical day involves working with members of my team to address outstanding students matters, planning for upcoming programs and events and meeting with staff to develop the culture and strategy of and for the Junior Academy at Knox. I am involved in meetings to discuss the Senior School’s approach to a range of educational and strategic issues. I also still teach one-two classes of History with usually one class per day.

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

The staff, the varied opportunities to develop and enhance and taking on the challenge of addressing the ever-changing and challenging nature of education.

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

My passion for History, together with a recognition of my strengths and qualities that are well suited to education, ultimately led me to pursue a career in this field.

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

Working with outstanding people to help young men develop their sense of passion and purpose together with their understanding of who they are and how they are going to contribute to our wider society as global citizens.

Why did you join Knox?

I joined Knox as I was very familiar with what it offered as an outstanding educational institution and I wanted to try to play my part to make it even better. It has continued to stretch and challenge me to become a better educator and leader.

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

Relationships. Forming strong relationships with students, staff and parents enables teachers to connect and to get the most out of the students in their care. Students feeling known is integral to forming strong connections and relationships, providing a pathway to inspiration.

What achievement are you most proud of from your time at Knox so far?

Seeing the Class of 2019, for which I was the Team Leader, graduate remains a highlight for me. Having been part of the full six-year journey in the Senior School meant that I had seen this group of young men grow from boys to men and that I was able to see so many overcome great personal challenges to start the next chapter of their lives with a profound sense of self and an innate desire to help others.

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

My leadership style is relational, authentic and values-based. This leadership approach has enabled me to create strong teams that are founded on trust and the desire to obtain the best possible outcomes through collaboration and proper utilisation of a range of skills.

What impact do you hope to leave on the students?

I hope that I have been able to influence interventions, culture and programs that have then enabled students to gain a clear understanding of who they are and how they can contribute to the world around them. If students leave Knox as kind, altruistic and empathetic young men then we have all done our job as educators.

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?

The biggest challenge for the education sector is teacher shortages but for students, the greatest challenge is the complexity of the ever-changing world around them and the misinformation that is presented online through social media etc. Equipping our students with 21st century social, emotional, leadership and innovative skills is going to be key to ensuring that young people can leave school and be prepared for the world and workforce that they enter.

Who are you outside of Knox?

Outside of Knox, I am the father of two young daughters and a husband. I love spending time with my family and friends, reading, following and playing sport and travelling.

Share one fun fact that people might not know about you.

My ethnic background is incredibly varied. My main backgrounds are Scottish, Sri Lankan, Dutch and Portuguese.

What advice would you give to anyone joining Knox?

Working at Knox is brilliant. The pace is quick and there are very high standards though there are so many opportunities to grow as a person and an educator.