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We loved learning more about a couple of our much loved and valued staff members Dr Natalie Bunn, Mr Matthew Nolan and Mrs Jacqueline Manison.
My journey to Ivanhoe Girls’ began in my home town of Chester, a historical Roman walled city in North-West England, where I completed my primary and secondary schooling and the seeds of my lifelong love of Science and in particular Chemistry were sewn. My university years were spent at Cardiff University where I studied a Bachelor of Science specialising in Chemistry and then I went on to complete my honours project and a PhD in air sensitive synthetic Organometallic Chemistry. It was during my PhD that my passion for teaching began through my role as a PhD demonstrator in the undergraduate practical Chemistry labs and as a University Schools liaison officer.
My time at Cardiff University was a special stage of my life which I deeply cherish. It was where I made many lifelong friends and also met my husband Marc, a fellow Chemist. The next step of my journey was to complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education at the University of Manchester before progressing to work in a number of Independent, Catholic and State schools in the UK and Adelaide.
In 2007, I joined Ivanhoe Girls’ as a teacher of Science and Chemistry. Over the years, my role at the School has evolved and I have been fortunate to hold a number of positions of responsibility and contribute broadly to the School in the areas of curriculum and wellbeing as well as leading whole-school-projects. I have also continued to value personal growth and study during this time, completing a Graduate Certificate in STEM education as well as currently studying a Masters of Educational Leadership.
Now I very much look forward to progressing to my new role as Acting Director of Learning and Innovation next year and the opportunity to work collaboratively with the teaching staff to shape learning and teaching at Ivanhoe Girls’. I am ready and excited to evolve our academic programs so that they remain cutting edge and relevant in order to equip and empower each and every student to achieve their very best, be future ready and find their passion and voice to contribute valuably in our ever-changing world.
Teaching was something I seriously thought of as a career after having a conversation with my Athletics Coach who was a Primary School Music teacher. After learning about what his career involved, I gradually moved my focus into coaching Athletics and leading young people in sport and outdoor recreation. I had tried multiple sports as a young person but was never the fastest, strongest or the most coordinated, however was always interested in learning new skills, feeling fit and enjoying the friendships developed.
As a teenager I started coaching Primary School students in Athletics, did a Sport and Recreation VET course in VCE and was involved in the Scout movement, as a participant and then a leader once I finished school. My days involved teaching four-year old’s how to run in a straight line to taking teenagers skiing or going on multi night hikes in Freycinet National Park. When at University, I broadened my experiences in volunteering at Championships, teaching children who could not speak English how to swim and teaching visually impaired people how to play tennis. These experiences have challenged my own teaching abilities which I am grateful for.
I’m lucky to spend time with students in different environment’s talking about contemporary issues in health or taking students to sports events, camps, and excursions. Outside of school I certainly practise what I preach keeping active through many pursuits, athletics, cycling, kayaking, and camping to name a few. The outdoors is my happy place where I can relax and keep fit.
I grew up in Northern Ireland and after leaving school attended Queen’s University, Belfast where I achieved a BSc (Hons) Degree in Information Management. There I continued my studies by completing my MSc in Communication (specialising in Change Management). My love of travel started here as I was lucky to receive a scholarship to complete my Master’s thesis in Kenya, collaborating with local communities in rural village farms.
After a gap year traveling the world, I decided that a future in teaching was for me and went back to university to study a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in ICT. From there I spent eight years working in English schools before landing an international opportunity.
After meeting my husband and moving to Australia I have worked setting up a Maker Space, developing the digital technologies curriculum and instilling the love of learning in my students.
My love of learning continues as I am currently studying for my Master of Education at The University of Melbourne. Outside of work I play hockey, netball and enjoy cycling and running. I am busy with my young family and enjoy nothing more than spending time with them and our new puppy, Spot. Since joining Ivanhoe Girls’ this year, I have enjoyed teaching DigiSolutions and helping staff with technology and look forward to my future here!