I’m born and bred in Orbost, as are my mother, husband and our three children. A very strong extended family and family connections provided lots of great times. Values of family, hard work and effort were constant factors that my parents and grandparents displayed and I still endeavour to up hold.
My education began at St Joseph’s Primary School, followed by Orbost High School and then Toorak Teachers College, where I completed a Diploma of Teaching (primary). I returned to Orbost, married a local farmer and welcomed our three children over the next five years. (Our children also completed their pre-school, primary and secondary education in Orbost.)
Returning to work as an emergency teacher with a young family, had its challenges. No childcare and limited teaching experience took some balancing and again family and friends made this possible. I was thrown in quickly, having visited Orbost Primary School on Friday and receiving a call for work the following week. Thankfully I said yes and this was really the beginning of my time as an educator.
I worked casually for five years, mostly at Orbost PS across all grades, and often for a term at a time. I began full time work as my youngest began school.
Along the way I’ve had support of numerous individuals who encouraged me to stretch into new areas, face challenges and step out of my comfort zone. My experience includes classroom teaching mostly in the junior grades, additional training as a reading recovery teacher, curriculum coordinator, completing my 4th year – Bachelor of Education by distance, working across East Gippsland in Early Years and then as an Innovation and Excellence Educator.
In the early 2000’s I became principal of Bruthen Primary School and then Omeo Primary School in 2013. I’ve come full circle returning as Principal of Orbost Primary School in 2023. I’m excited by the opening of Orbost Community College in 2024.
I love that working as a teacher, has allowed me to be part of children’s learning, sharing the joy and celebrating this with them. I’m very grateful for living and growing up in this lovely part of East Gippsland and the opportunities it has given me.
