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As a Geography teacher, my top teaching moments of 2024 are the fieldtrips that I’ve been on, specifically taking Year 8 Geography students to Hanging Rock as part of their landscapes and landforms topic. It was a great experience being able to get the students outside of the classroom to explore this landform. The walk up to the top of the Hanging Rock was stunning and seeing the students being able to identify and explain the geographical processes and features that they had learnt about in lessons was a rewarding moment for me. We even had a picnic at the summit, but unlike the book no student was left behind! 

This year I had the privilege of building and presenting an optional, after school Leadership Program aimed at Year 11 students to empower them with essential leadership skills through workshops, mentoring, and practical experience. The program focused on developing communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Students engaged in leadership challenges, creating a pitch that was presented to the Principal class who offered their guidance, sharing insights on leading with empathy and integrity. This program allowed me to see students in a way that I would never have before, which was wonderful and will be really useful when going through the leadership process in a few weeks time!

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One of my top teaching moments was during a VCE Chemistry class when we explored how the Haber process has changed history and shaped our world. Students discussed how Fritz Haber’s work revolutionised agriculture through fertiliser production but also fueled warfare. These conversations underscored that science is a human endeavour. In an era of unprecedented technological progress, it is more important than ever that our students, as the future generation, not only contribute to advancing scientific development but also ensure it is applied ethically so that our advancements serve humanity rather than harm it.

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This year, my top teaching moment wasn’t about teaching an unforgettable lesson or designing a rock-star task—it was about working with amazing staff. I’ve been so lucky to be part of a team that inspires, challenges, and supports each other. Together, we’ve fostered a culture of openness where we can comfortably throw out ideas, try new things, give something a whirl, and there’s no fear of failure. Even when things don’t go as planned, we’re united by a passion for improvement, and when things do work, and we see our students light up with understanding, it’s just the best!

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Early childhood is a critical time to build and reinforce attitudes of respect and empathy. As part of MLC Kindle’s journey to connect with place and take meaningful action in support of Reconciliation, we renamed our classrooms with the names of local native plants. During Reconciliation Week, Indigenous senior students participated in a planting experience with the early childhood students. It was delightful to witness the students collaborating as they planted tiny seedlings that corresponded to the new classroom names. Making connections with the wider student body at the College has been a teaching highlight, reflecting our commitment to broadening the Kindle children's lived experiences and further supporting the development of relationships with First Nation’s Peoples.

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How do you make History come alive? My conversations with students around historical events are usually based on secondary source material, so having the opportunity to take students to Marysville in August on an immersive experience allowed my colleagues and I to share a very important event in our state’s history – Black Saturday. We all sat inside the community memorial and invited students to read out the evocative words from the panels surrounding us. It was a moving and quietly reflective experience that opened opportunities for observation, understanding and respect.

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At this stage of the year, in Term 4, it’s truly inspiring to witness the personal growth of all students. The day-to-day aspects of teaching are rewarding, challenging, joyful, and incredibly important for the growth of our young people. One of my fondest memories this year is seeing every student flourish and achieve their personal best in all aspects of schooling at Strathcona. The unique and supportive environment in our Junior School has encouraged each child to challenge themselves academically and explore the various opportunities the school offers. This has fostered confidence, strengthened friendships, sparked new interests, and led to meaningful academic progress for every member of the class community.