1. Where were you before this and what persuaded you to join Concordia College?

For the past eight years, I have been a classroom teacher at St Michael's Lutheran Primary in Hahndorf, primarily teaching in the Junior Primary grades. During this time, I had the privilege of working with amazing colleagues and families who taught me valuable lessons about my teaching practices. They challenged and supported me to grow as a teacher, and this period will always hold a special place in my heart. After having my son 18 months ago, I decided to return to work as a relief teacher and was fortunate to work at Concordia College - St John's Campus and Concordia College - St Peters Campus (formerly St Peters Lutheran School). Despite being a relief teacher and only working for a few days at a time, I was impressed by the high level of passion, dedication and love for teaching and learning that I encountered. I was drawn to the high standards of teaching and learning practices and the sense that everything done across the College was for the benefit of the students. The same level of care and commitment that teachers feel for their students, which I have always valued, is deeply ingrained in the College's practices and pedagogy. I was drawn to the knowledge that I would be challenged and supported to become a better teacher, delivering high-quality learning and care to my students.

2. Three words to describe you.

Passionate, empathetic and dedicated.

3. What is your motivation or inspiration in your role?

There are several motivations and inspirations for me in my role. For me the most crucial inspiration and motivation is the opportunity for me to build a relationship with and get to know each individual student; what they're passionate about, what challenges them and what inspires them. It is an extremely humbling privilege to teach and learn alongside my students. I love getting to see students be inspired and driven to succeed and reach their potential throughout their learning journey. I hope that I am able to make a stamp on their lives and that in the years to come I will remain a positive part of their journey.

4. If you had a superpower, what would it be?

If I had a superpower, I would choose the ability to heal and bring comfort. Being able to help and comfort people devastated by grief and loss, having the power to alleviate people's pain and having the ability to heal people struggling with illness would be incredibly fulfilling. I think it would also go a long way to stopping conflict and suffering, thereby helping to make the world a kinder place.

5. Who would you invite to a dinner party of six guests and why? Alternatively, tell us something you might like to share that we could not possibly know?

Ooh, other than an amazing chef to cook dinner for us, I’m not sure about my answer for this. I guess rather than celebrities, I would choose to have my son, husband and closest family and friends to cherish the time with. As cliche as it sounds, I can’t actually think of anyone else I’d want more than these people. I know that I’ll read someone else’s response and be like “oh that’s a good one!”, but for now, the closest people whom I love most is who I would always choose to be with.