Mel

DRAMA TEACHER

What is your background?

I was born on the Central Coast and moved north to Brissie with my family when I was 7. I finished school there and moved to Melbourne at 18 to get out of the humidity. Cold weather, coffee and winter fires made it a cosy home for 7 years before I needed a little time to thaw out. I moved to Byron in 2016 for what was meant to be 12 months.

What do you remember best about primary school?

I have great memories from all three of the primary schools I attended. Starting pen pal clubs, hosting French breakfasts for our families, I even remember some of my favourite writing tasks from Years 5, 6 and 7. I loved literacy and would often hide away every lunch break to read.

What teaching qualifications do you have?

I have a Master of Teaching (Primary) from the University of Sydney.

Where else have you worked and how has it shaped your general outlook and your approach to teaching children today?

Before teaching, I worked occasionally in TV and theatre in Melbourne. While I love the exciting performance elements of acting, it’s the collaborative and analytical lessons that I find most rewarding and relevant to classroom dynamics now. I’ve also completed a Bachelor of Creative Writing and Literature through Melbourne Uni which helped me hone in on the value of perspectives, communication and questioning. Add to these the many, many years I’ve spent in hospitality and customer service and my goal now is to provide a safe and enjoyable learning space where every person can realise, create and share their story.

What are your main teaching and classroom philosophies?

Even young children feel nervous to authentically express themselves to others. I believe drama creates space for freedom and enjoyment of learning which moves both those performing and observing. My philosophy is to create a safe space that plants seeds of a wide world and allows for students to hear about, study, discuss and challenge opinions. A space where their expression confidently blooms.

Why do you enjoy teaching at BCPS?

Because it really is a community! From the minute I stepped through the gate as a prac student, I was welcomed by the staff, students, families and the whole Byron community. I’ve felt nothing but support in all my roles and am beyond grateful for this opportunity. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside all of our amazing teaching staff and many parents with all their various specialties and focused wisdom. I continue still to feel just as grateful each day for these opportunities.

What do you enjoy teaching the most?

Drama of course! It’s what feels the most natural to me. Though I do love being on class when students are really starting to enjoy writing independently. It’s clear when the penny drops and they realise they can get their thoughts out of their head and onto paper for everyone to see. That moment is magic. I think drama is the extension of that moment.

What is your greatest achievement?

Making my dream job my reality. I’m still very much pinching myself.

What aspirations still lie ahead of you?

So many things! All the things my parents are patiently waiting for, getting a dog, spending more time with my family, a lot more travel, learning instruments, mastering the potters wheel, I’d love to write books someday in a sunny room with lots of tea.

What occupies your time outside school hours?

Sleep ins, yoga, coffee, reading, attempting but rarely completing crafty things, cooking for the humans I love and trips in our van.

If you weren’t a primary teacher, how do you think you’d be spending your days?

I’d be telling stories one way or another. I’ve thought about studying anthropology or history to work for museums or galleries, maybe working for a publisher or small publication. But my ridiculous dream job would be a writer for Pixar.