What’s your role at Gawura?

I’m the Gawura Kindy Teacher.

What attracted you to this job?

The combination of high academic standards in an environment where culture is celebrated.

I looked at the model and I just thought it was something that would work.

The high staff to student ratio means that we can get really good results for the children and the cultural side of it means that children feel at home and they feel a sense of belonging.

What does your typical day look like?

Most days are very busy and very full. In my class we spend a lot of time on literacy and numeracy. The children also join the Junior School for other activities like music, PE, dance and drama.

When did you start here?

I first got involved with Gawura in their second year by helping with fundraising and I was able to get Qantas, my employer at the time, to give their support.  Then I volunteered to help with reading, then I became the Learning Support Teacher and finally the Kindergarten Teacher.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of the job is just seeing the progress of the children, particularly in reading and writing. Every teacher goes into teaching because they want to make a difference and I think that with the model we have I can make a difference. With the model we have we can achieve really good results and high standards for the children.

What were you like at school?

Oh! I think I was pretty boring really. I was pretty quiet and pretty conscientious.

Who was your hero growing up?

I don’t think I have any heroes. The more you get to know people you realise there’s no perfect person out there; everybody has their strengths and weaknesses.