What is your role at the College?

I’m an English teacher.

What was your career path to teaching at Santa Maria?

I started studying Medicine, failed first year, and then completed degrees in English and Geography. I taught English in New Zealand and then when we moved to Australia I taught English at Melbourne schools. I had a 10-year break from teaching and worked at Melbourne University, then returned to teaching English. I moved to Perth and have continued to teach English.

When my daughter came to Santa Maria I was very impressed with the school so I applied for a job here. I was offered some long service leave replacement work and then “the rest was history”.

What is your favourite thing about Santa Maria?

I like the staff and students. The English department is a wonderfully supportive and smart group of people who I love spending time with. I have many friends from the diverse range of people who work here. What an incredibly giving group of people. It makes me want to come to work! The students are fabulous too. I am always amazed at how I feel I learn as much from them as they do from me.

What is your favourite book?

The Guernsey Potato Peel Pie Society, but really I have hundreds of favourites. I am mentioning The Guernsey Potato Peel Pie Society as it is so uplifting. Even though it is sad, it has a satisfying ending. Many of the girls have asked me why we always have depressing books to read – so The Guernsey Potato Peel Pie Society is not one of those. Although, neither is To Kill a Mockingbird or Station 11, or Boy Swallows Universe….

Do you have any hobbies? What are they?

I read books, run, sing, make quilts, play the guitar, and drink wine (and I used to travel and hope to again one day). Of course, I catch up with my two grandsons whenever I can too.