What do you like most about working at Fintona?
The people. I love our people. The rich conversations I have with my colleagues every day, their stories, humour, and the sense of purpose we all share. That purpose being the education of brilliant young humans and helping to facilitate that. At Fintona, everyone has the best interests of the students at heart. We are proud of who they are.
Are you involved in any committees, co-curricular activities, or clubs?
The Principal’s engine room is busy, and the old cliché ‘no day is ever the same’ does apply. In between the daily support of Rachael, I am the coordinator of the School’s yearbook, The Fintonian, and I collaborate with a committee of Year 11 students to produce the book. It is a privilege to meet with the girls to bring the school year to life in print.
I am also a member of the School’s Indigenous Connection & Action Working Group. There is a lot of work to be done, I believe we need to be curious, learn more, and celebrate our First Nations people’s culture, acknowledge their lived experiences and continue to move towards reconciliation.
Do you have a fond/fun/funny anecdote you can share about your time at the school; this could be a special project you’ve worked on, a memorable occasion, somebody you met…
So many funny things have happened, most of which are in the ‘what happens in admin, stays in admin.’ category. I have a couple of Tourmont ghost stories, because a past colleague told me she had the ‘gift’ of seeing ghosts, and would update me whenever she did.
I have met some impressive Old Fintonians and Dr Helen Caldicott comes to mind particularly. She was a controversial anti-nuclear campaigner in past decades. I admire her passion and activism.
What is the highlight of the Fintona school year for you?
Valedictory. I am always so proud of everyone on stage. Our Principal, the Leadership Team, the Year 12 girls, and our staff. When I see the girls perform, receive an award, or speak eloquently, it confirms everything the school does. The heart of Fintona beats loudly on this special night.
Do you have a favourite book, quote or piece of advice that inspires you?
Tolkien’s, The Hobbit, which I read in my tween years, on a cold winter’s day, and did not put down until the end, took me to another place. Alan Paton’s, Cry the Beloved Country left an impression on me in my senior school years, and Joseph Conrad’s, Heart of Darkness, also left its mark in my uni. days. Margaret Atwood and Tim Winton are two of my favourite authors, so anything and everything Atwood and Winton.
A quote I use and draw on often is: There’s no problem, only solutions. John Lennon Watching the Wheels, 1981. It affirms that all will be well, when things appear not to be.
What are some of your hobbies, or interests outside of work?
Spending time with my only child, who happens to be an Old Fintonian. Art. I love to paint and create and have an obsession with art books. Writing. In my house there are tens of thousands of words tucked away in cupboards, in the form of half written books, opinion pieces, short stories and poems. Running. I am in my 27th year of running and I will be lining up for my 20th Melbourne Marathon in October (for anyone who doesn’t know, a marathon is 42.195 kilometres). I am Secretary of the Melbourne Marathon Spartans Club; the only club on the planet where the criterion for membership is a minimum of ten years of effort, i.e. you must successfully complete ten Melbourne Marathons to become a ‘Spartan’.