From Student to Teacher – Georgia Portlock (2020)
Returning to Santa Maria College as a teacher is a moment that feels both surreal and deeply meaningful. For Alumni Georgia Portlock, the classrooms, friendships and values that shaped her own schooling are now the very things she brings to life for students each day.
Her journey from student to staff member is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of a Santa Maria education.
Memories That Shaped the Journey
Looking back on her school years, she holds Year 7 and Year 12 closest to her heart. These years marked both the beginning and the culmination of her high school journey and were filled with growth, connection and unforgettable moments.
The strong bonds formed with the girls in her homeroom and classes over time remain some of her most treasured memories. Music also played a significant role in her Santa Maria experience. Annual Music Camp and involvement in a wide range of music co-curricular activities provided opportunities for creativity, connection and a strong sense of belonging.
Inspired by Exceptional Teachers
Her decision to pursue teaching was strongly influenced by her Year 11 and 12 teachers. During these senior years, she valued the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with both staff and a smaller group of peers.
She recalls how much time and care her teachers invested to ensure every lesson was engaging and that students felt genuinely valued. This dedication was especially evident in 2020, a challenging year shaped by online learning and COVID restrictions. Despite the uncertainty, her teachers went above and beyond to ensure students still had a memorable and fulfilling Year 12 experience.
Teaching HASS and Religious Education
Now teaching Humanities and Social Sciences and Religious Education, she enjoys both the differences and similarities between the two learning areas. Exploring multiple perspectives is central to both subjects, allowing students to consider diverse thoughts, views and cultures.
She values the collaborative learning opportunities these subjects offer, creating engaging classrooms where students can learn from one another and develop deeper understanding.
Returning Home as a Teacher
“Coming back to Santa Maria College as a teacher has been a true full circle moment.”Â
Supporting and guiding students in the same environment that once supported her is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Giving back to a school that has given her so much is deeply rewarding, and she approaches her role with gratitude and pride.
Supporting Students in Year 7
Taking on a Year 7 homeroom is something she is especially excited about. Georgia says, “I clearly remember my own excitement during my first year of high school, particularly during transition week, and I am looking forward to experiencing that same enthusiasm again with the girls.”
The first year of secondary school is a significant time of change. She is eager to support students as they navigate this transition and hopes to continue guiding them throughout their high school journeys.
Lessons That Last Beyond the Classroom
One of the most important lessons she hopes to pass on is the value of kindness and respect, both for others and for oneself. Her own schooling showed her how much of a difference supportive teachers and a strong sense of community can make.
She wants every student to feel seen, valued and encouraged to be themselves, knowing they belong.
What has surprised her most about stepping into the classroom is how dynamic and varied teaching truly is. No two days are the same, and the impact a supportive and enthusiastic teacher can have on a student’s confidence is powerful.
Teaching is as much about understanding students as individuals as it is about lesson planning. The trust students place in their teachers is something she did not fully appreciate until stepping into the role herself.
Building Strong Relationships
She builds positive relationships with students by genuinely listening and showing interest in who they are, both inside and outside the classroom. By being approachable, consistent and supportive, she aims to create a safe and respectful learning environment.
As a fairly recent graduate, she understands many of the pressures students face and hopes to offer meaningful support to help ensure their high school experience is as positive as her own.
Life Beyond the Classroom
Outside of school, she enjoys staying active. Much of her free time is spent at lacrosse training and games, at the gym, or going for walks with friends.
She is currently training for an upcoming National Tournament in Melbourne, where she will be representing Western Australia. It means plenty of early mornings and late nights, but it is a challenge she is embracing with enthusiasm.
Georgia Portlock in 2020:
As she now guides the next generation of students, her story is a reminder that when young women are supported, encouraged and truly known, they grow into confident adults ready to give back. It is a full circle moment that speaks to the strength of community, the importance of connection, and the lasting influence of a Santa Maria education.
- Alumni Stories, Boarding School Perth, Catholic Girls School Perth, Featured, From student to teacher, Mercy Education, Santa Maria College, Staff Spotlight, Teaching at Santa Maria College, Women in Education
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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