The 2023 Summer Edition of TW is here! In this FUTURE edition, we look forwards, to the next century of Wesley College’s remarkable journey.

We’re pleased to celebrate the Class of 2023 and their outstanding ATAR performance, dedication, and academic rigour.

Below is a snapshot of the accomplishments of the Class of 2023. We invite you to take a moment and dive into the data – a testament to sheer hard work and perseverance.

• Median ATAR 87.15
• 6 students (6.7% of ATAR candidates) obtained an ATAR 99+ (Top 1% in WA)
• 18 students (20.2% of ATAR candidates) obtained an ATAR 95+ (Top 5% in WA)
• 35 students (39.3% of ATAR candidates) obtained an ATAR 90+ (Top 10% in WA)
• 57 students (64% of ATAR candidates) obtained an ATAR 80+ (Top 20% in WA)
• 82 students (92.1% of ATAR candidates) obtained an ATAR 70+ (Top 30% in WA)

In a letter to parents, Head of Wesley College, Mr Ross Barron, said: “Today, we’re pleased to share the ATAR results with our community. I know you’ll join me in congratulating our Year 12 students on their outstanding achievements. I’d like to thank the entire teaching staff for their expertise, dedication, and support. Our exceptional approach to teaching and learning defines Wesley and our staff play a pivotal role in student success.”

“In Western Australia, where only 28% of Year 12 students undertook an ATAR pathway, we are particularly proud of the academic performance of our students, with 72% choosing to undertake a rigorous ATAR pathway. It’s pleasing that 92.1% of these students scored an ATAR of 70+, guaranteeing university entry.”

He added: “We do believe ATAR results need to be celebrated, but the true value of a Wesley education, why many of you sacrifice and send your children to this College, cannot be measured by numbers alone.”

“At the heart of what we do, is to work along with students to find an individual pathway that aligns with their interests and passions to propel students for a life of purpose and happiness.”

The Class of 2023 have contributed toward College life dramatically:

• The UniReady program continues to be a success story for us with 17 students who have direct university access available to them through this pathway.
• Wesley Next is skyrocketing with more than 1,000 micro-credentials awarded this year.
• 16 students completed a VET pathway, with a majority having secured an apprenticeship.
• 1,302 hours of community service.
• 84 students have held formal leadership positions.
• $110,557 raised through fundraising efforts.

In 1981, Malcolm Fraser was Prime Minister, A Country Practice debuted on Channel 7 and Wesley won the PSA tennis trophy for the last time.

 

Well, the last time for 42 years – following a 16 sets to 8 victory over Christ Church Grammar School last weekend.

The result came down to the final fixture of the PSA’s tennis competition and was especially sweet for falling in Wesley College’s centenary year. It marks the seventh occasion that the College has won the Corr Cup, after victories in 1963, 1967, 1975, 1979, 1980 and 1981.

 

 

Head of Tennis at Wesley College, Mr Strahinja Bobusic, said afterwards: “This win over Christ Church is so special to our current players, past players and supporters of Wesley College. The  Tennis team has done a tremendous job and worked so hard, starting in October 2022 when we had our training camp. The team was determined to be the first group in 42 years to bring the Corr Cup back over the Swan River.”

1st Tennis Captain, Nicholas Chin, agreed: “It’s an honour to win the cup in this historic year for the school. We are privileged to have such a dedicated coach who brings out the best in us.”

“Our team is unique in that it includes students from different year groups. This strengthened friendships across the College but, more importantly, strengthened our team connection.”

 

 

While proud of all Wesley’s players, Mr Bobusic was keen to highlight the effort of one game-changing effort: “Yangho Park did a fantastic job defeating Archie Brown 7-5 6-2 at number 1 singles on the day. The match was played in front of a large crowd and Yangho did a tremendous job of inspiring the team. This singles win was the tipping point and swayed the momentum our way.

“Our Captain, Nicholas Chin and Vice-captains, Yangho Park and Anton De Luca, were fantastic leaders that drove training and led from the front during fixtures. They will be missed next season, but we have plenty of experienced students ready to take their place and are hungry to go back-to-back!”

“It was a fantastic story to have the final fixture as a grand final, this rarely happens and it was so special winning the Corr Cup in the centenary year.”

 

 

Quoting our Head of Sport, Mr Luke Dwyer, the report says the College’s facilities and the depth of the PSA competition had helped produce the champions.

 

 

Wesley College has been named as one of Australia’s Most Innovative Schools, for the third time.

How it started and how it’s going… 100 years ago this week the first stones were laid in the building of Wesley College. Now, a century later, we’re proud to announce that – today – we have been presented with The Educator’s 5-Star Innovative School award, for the third time. What an amazing way to start our Foundation Week celebrations!

The Educator Magazine is a magazine and news website for Australia’s most senior educational professionals. For eight years, its list of the country’s Most Innovative Schools has been essential reading, highlighting groundbreaking educational programs and initiatives on the cutting-edge of education.

2022 marks Wesley’s fourth appearance on the list, having been named as a winner in 2022, 2020 and 2018, and appearing as a finalist in 2019.

“Innovation is in the DNA of Wesley,” says Mr Mathew Irving, Wesley College’s Deputy Head (Academics and Strategy), who proactively seeks ways for the College to push the educational envelope.

“This award reflects our lived motto, by daring & by doing, and celebrates the achievements of staff and students,” he continues. “In the past 12 months, Wesley has turned its attention to micro-credentialling; launching Wesley NEXT for Years 10-12 students and Level-Up Program for Year 3 students. The inception of Arts Lab has also been a significant innovation project; a collaborative endorsed program for Year 9-12 students that nurtures authentic experiences in the performing and creative arts industries. Arts Lab is a first for Western Australia. Wesley’s Long Term Athletic program has also reached new heights in 2022 with the addition of sports analytics and science to support a sport-for-life culture throughout the College.

“The College is now turning its attention to the future. Wesley turns 100 in 2023 and preparations are underway to develop a future schooling initiative that will challenge the current paradigm and prepare the ground for the next 100 years of innovation and continuous improvement in education.”

 

Wesley College has long been invested in equality. But our Head of College, Mr Ross Barron, joining CEOs for Gender Equity sends a clear public message about our beliefs. Here, he explains his motivation.

 

John Wesley, the 18th-century theologian who founded Methodism, had strong opinions about women. However, unlike many of his contemporaries, his views were based on a desire for equality. He objected to the prevailing patriarchal view that women should be seen and not heard, calling this the ‘deepest unkindness’ and a ‘horrid cruelty’.

 

 

As a College named in John Wesley’s honour, we have always sought to emulate his views. We want to be a place where our values of compassion, courage, integrity and respect are a lived experience for students and staff.

Of course, it would be disingenuous to say that, over the course of 100 years, staff and students at Wesley College have never fallen short. We absolutely have. But what has really come into focus recently for me is the importance of listening to women at our College and their stories, believing them and doing something about it, uncovering our blind spots and educating ourselves.

To that end, I’m proud to have become a member of CEOs for Gender Equity, a group that is committed to influencing and inspiring leaders to do better by ensuring they remove systemic barriers that hinder gender balance. After all, change occurs faster when it is driven from the top.

 

 

This is an important step in a nuanced and multi-faceted process that Wesley has been undertaking earnestly over the last year. The work began on International Women’s Day 2021. It was clear that things had to change. Brave male and female staff members spoke up and shared their experiences of sexism and gender inequity at the College. It was hard to hear.

This was a significant moment for our College. We immediately began formalising specific processes to ensure Wesley is a place where everyone is treated equally and with respect and we know it is a work in progress

A Gender Equality Advisory Panel was formed, with more than 30 staff volunteering to take stock of equality, equity and sexism at Wesley.

As a school, we go out of our way to employ staff who will model positive behaviour. Kind individuals who certainly don’t seek to offend others. We hope that this will flow on to our students. But the examples that came through made us realise that simply expecting that everyone knows where the line is with sexism isn’t enough.

Equity needs to be actively taught.

Not because people (in the main) go around negatively thinking about their peers in terms of gendered capabilities, but because inequities are so ingrained in our societal structure that many of us don’t even see the mistakes we’re making.

After months of listening, researching best practices and deeply frank discussion, the Gender Equality Advisory Panel created an Action Plan so that we could make tangible change.

Some of these action points addressed non-negotiables – for example, every single member of our 400-plus staff has now taken a sexual harassment training course to ensure there is zero doubt about definitions of sexual harassment and a clear understanding of how to file an internal or external complaint.

 

 

We also implemented mandatory workshops examining the quiet assumptions that are present in the way we speak to each other. The everyday sexism that rarely gets called out. This dovetailed perfectly with the 2022 theme of International Women’s Day: Break the Bias, and the Unconscious Bias training undertaken by our senior and middle leaders.

We have also strengthened Wesley’s Contact Officer Network by sending 13 staff to Contact Officer training run by the Equal Opportunity Commission, to make it easier for staff to discuss their concerns with a peer as a first step to elevating an issue.

 

 

Again, I make no assertion that we are now perfect, but there has been a tonal shift in how we communicate as staff, as teachers, as students. As a group, we have reflected on our personal blind spots. Those who want to improve have done so. Those who don’t want to improve know that they are not welcome here.

Perhaps most importantly, we’ve worked to ensure that everyone feels empowered and supported to call out micro-aggressions as they occur. As a team, we stand together. Nobody should ever have to feel that they’re ‘making a fuss’ if they speak up.

This is why I joined CEOs for Gender Equity. There was a time when I didn’t see the full picture of how gender influences the experience of people at Wesley. Now my eyes have been opened. It’s my hope that if there is a tidal wave of leaders across all industries talking about the issue and driving a change in workplace culture, change will occur much faster.

There is much to do.

 

You can read more of Ross’ views on Gender Equity here: www.ceosforgenderequity.com.au/wesleycollege
Or watch the video created by CEOs For Gender Equity, below:

In our Olympic special, we delve into the impact sport can have on your life and catch up with some of Wesley’s Olympians. You can read all the exciting stories below!

 

Middle School teacher Mr Bundi Dingjan has been at the College for nearly 10 years, in a wide range of roles. He’s proudly Wesley to his core.

 

What was your route to teaching at Wesley?

My professional teaching journey began at Wesley before I even finished my undergraduate degree. In 2015, I commenced working in the Boarding House as a resident on duty and as the activities coordinator. In 2018 I was very fortunate to complete my final 10-week teaching placement in the HPE department under the mentorship of Mr Paul Deegan. In 2019 and 2020, while still working in the Boarding House, I took a relief teaching role and covered teachers on leave. At the end of 2020 a full-time position became available for the Year 8 Science and Maths teacher, and I was extremely happy to be offered the position. I’m still happily in that position today.

Tell us about being Director of Swimming.

I love being Director of Swimming at Wesley because it’s a team sport. Swimming is notoriously an individual sport requiring athletes to focus solely on themselves. However, swimming within the PSA is all about team strength. A school could have the fastest swimmer in the country, but that’s only one person of the 96 that are required. I love that the strength of the team comes from the brotherhood of banding together to achieve a common goal. It truly exemplifies what Wesley is all about and the spirit we share.

What’s your favourite sport?

I am obviously very biased in this: swimming! I was an elite swimmer for a long time. I love the sport; I’ve raced some of the best in the world, had amazing experiences overseas, and I’m incredibly grateful for the dedication it has instilled within me.

Do you have a favourite quotation?

“Not only are you wrong, but you are wrong at the top of your voice. Raise the quality of your argument rather than your volume.” I like this quotation and I say it all the time in my classroom. I love encouraging my students to argue with me, as long as they think about what they want to say and articulate correctly rather than simply yelling.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

On Friday evening, you’ll find me parked on the couch with a block of 90% dark chocolate and listening to my dad’s old records, which could be anything from The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Pink Floyd, or Led Zeppelin.

In a powerful display of cultural pride and unity, Wesley College athletes have embraced custom-designed Indigenous socks during the PSA Indigenous Round.

The socks came to life thanks to the hard work and dream of Billy Krsticevic (17-23). We sat down with Billy for an insight into his vision:

“The journey began when I was in Year 10, playing in the 1st XV Rugby Team. At the time, only the 1st Football Team wore a designed jersey and had a smoking ceremony for Indigenous Round. I thought it was really important the other sports and grades had something to wear to acknowledge the Round. Working with 2022 College Captain, Aramis Tilli, I attended Prefect meetings with my ideas to gather support and last year, I worked with College Captain Jimmy Timcke, Ms McGivern, and the SRC to put my plan into practice. The socks were designed by Romy and Leon, and I pitched the final proposal to Mr Barron. Within 15 seconds, he said yes! It was incredible to play in the socks last year as Captain of the 1st XV Rugby Team and I was so proud to see the Year 8/9 A Rugby team that I coach wearing my vision this year. The hard work paid off!”

We also spoke to Romy Wachter (18-23), who co-designed the socks with Leon Francis (18-23), about the inspiration behind their design:

“Leon and I had the privilege of designing the socks, aiming to represent our culture. Our design for the socks was based on the Derbarl Yerrigan, otherwise known as the Swan River, and the Waugul, a sacred serpent from Noongar Dreamtime stories, believed to have created and shaped the Swan River. The Waugul’s presence on the socks, as it wraps around our players’ legs, symbolises their connection to the land on which they will compete. However, it’s not just about sports; it’s about respecting the land, acknowledging its history, and recognising the Whadjuk Noongar people as the traditional custodians of this place. Our hope is that as our athletes wear these socks, they will not only represent our culture but also feel a deep connection to the land and its history. We aim for these socks to serve as a reminder to carve their own pathways, just as the Waugul carved the Swan River.”

 

In conversation with Wesley’s Visual Art Teacher, Mrs Erin Knight, Joanna Lamb – an esteemed artist and current parent – shared stories of her life and adventures that have influenced her art.

 

 

Our Wesleyana Club members were delighted to welcome Joanna and Erin to their latest meeting for an engaging discussion on Joanna’s journey to becoming a professional visual artist, what inspires her and more.

 

Joanna’s connection to art runs deep, stemming from her upbringing and exposure to the world of printing. Her father owned a prominent Perth printing company, Lamb Print, and was responsible for the catalogues of many of Australia’s galleries. He instilled in her a keen eye for detail and this attention to precision and composition is evident in her captivating paintings.

Growing up in Trigg, Joanna draws inspiration from the familiar sights of her childhood including generic suburban sites such as petrol stations, airports, and houses she had driven past thousands of times.

As described on the Art Collective WA website, Joanna’s works are characterised as hard-edged and highly refined geometric compositions. Through her art, she delves into the concept of home and urban spaces. Her paintings often oscillate between realism and abstraction, capturing the essence of (sub)urbanity. Her passion for visual expression led her to explore various mediums, including painting and printmaking.

Interestingly, the rights to her series of large-scale wall paintings, the ‘Pool’ paintings, were purchased by the Art Gallery of Western Australia, meaning they are able to reproduce them wherever and whenever they wish!

You can view Joanna’s works in prominent collections including the Art Gallery of Western Australia, Parliament House, TarraWarra Museum of Art, Macquarie University, La Trobe University, Edith Cowan University, The University of Western Australia and Murdoch University.

Some of Joanna’s art has been turned into puzzles. To purchase, visit: www.alonetogetherpuzzles.com.au

 

The Wesleyana Club at Wesley College celebrated 60 years in 2023. The Club is for mothers of former students. If would like to learn more, email communityrelations@wesley.wa.edu.au.

With over 80 dads and father-figures in attendance, the inaugural P&F Dads on the Green has been a resounding success!

The night kicked off at the South Perth Bowling Club with a few beverages and snacks as we watched the sun set on a glorious evening.  The group was introduced to fellow Wesley dad, Tony Percival (Year 7), who ran through the modified rules of bowls and provided a brief demo to make sure we all knew which way the ball would swing. The competitive spirit was alive and well thanks to some generous prizes donated by the P&F, Kim Meers (Year 7) from Jurien Bay IGA, Sony Sindhe (Year 6) from South Perth Thai Orchid Restaurant and our good friends at the WAFL provided some free entry passes.

Pizzas were delivered and we paused the bowls to watch some Friday night AFL and work out who the finalists would be.  The first ever Dad Duck Race, determined the door prize winner, a magnificent Wesley supporters jersey from the College Uniform Shop.

The finals were everything we hoped for and the huge crowd saw “Team 15” of Nick Algie (Year 8), Mal Harwood (Year 8), David Roberts (Year 8) & Chris Hilbrands (Year 9) take out the inaugural Championship.  A quick participation survey took place after the winners were announced, with 100% of respondents keen to return for 2025 and maintain the casual Friday afternoon format.

Huge thanks the Dads who came along, to South Perth Bowling Club and Tony for hosting, to the prize donors and to the P&F Team (April Jolly, Hailee Cook and Chair, Kate Petersen) that did all the work in the background to make the event the success it was.

Here’s to the next one!

Thank you to Year 6 parent, James Hunt, for the event recap.

With Head of College, Mr Ross Barron, spending his one-term sabbatical meeting industry leaders and Old Collegians around the world, Deputy Head, Mr Nathan Jessup, has taken the helm. But what makes Mr Jessup tick? Let’s find out!

 

What do you love about Wesley?

It’s the warmth of the place – the people, students, parents, staff. I enjoy coming to work every day because I know I’m walking into somewhere really welcoming and fun. There’s a lighthearted spirit to the College.

Are you from Perth?

Yes! I grew up in the northern suburbs and went to a Uniting Church school, St. Stephen’s. I had a seven-year professional hiatus in Victoria then returned to Perth and live back in the northern suburbs.

 What do you do with your time off?

Lots of things. I’ve got three young kids, which is time-consuming in all the right ways. I’m quite a playful person by nature, so to be able to play with them is great. I also love the ocean, so I try and do an open water swim for 20-30 minutes every day or go for a surf.

You’re quite sporty by nature, aren’t you?

I’ve had a reasonable sporting background. I umpired AFL football, took up marathon running and then fell in love with triathlon. I always wanted to go to the world championships in Hawaii, so I did that. But now I don’t keep active to compete. I keep active because I enjoy challenging myself and clearing my mind through physical pursuits.

Do you have any time for books?

I used to read an unbelievable number of books. Time is more limited now, but reading is something I genuinely enjoy. I tend to focus on non-fiction titles. I’ve got a very curious, inquisitive mind, so I enjoy a broad range of reading about what’s going on in the world and what’s going on with people in the world.

Have you got a favourite title?

In terms of non-fiction, I’d recommend a book called Redeemable: A Memoir of Darkness and Hope by Erwin James. It’s about a man who had a very troubled upbringing and spent an extended period of time in jail. However, after his release, he was able to get his life on track in quite an extraordinary way. From a fiction perspective, I love Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. It’s just clever, clever writing by someone who was a genius in terms of his literary gift.

You’ve been at Wesley for 13 years, in two separate stints. Has there been a highlight?

Absolutely. I was given an unbelievable opportunity to start up the Katitjin program. Within that, I was looking for a camping experience that wouldn’t be too dependent on climate when I stumbled on Morapoi Station. For me, it’s really special that 15, 16 years down the track it’s still a signature experience for every Katitjin student.

Were you nervous about stepping into the Head of College role for a term?

To be honest, I wasn’t nervous. I think part of that is a testament to Ross and working alongside him so closely for several years. I felt like I knew what to expect. Plus, although tricky things will always come up, I’ve got absolute confidence in the people I work with. We’ve got amazing staff who are outstanding at working through things in a calm and considered manner.

 Have you had to stop teaching while you’re in the big seat?

One of the things that brings me the most joy is stepping into a classroom or being in front of a group of students, so one of the discussions I had with Mr Barron was about how I could do this role without stepping away from my Mentor Group.

And how have you found the role so far?

One thing I knew already, which has only been reinforced by taking on this role, is that Wesley is in a really good position at the moment. It’s a very special place to be.

Middle School teacher Miss Ashton Arthur is a die-hard Dockers fan who believes a Premiership is on the horizon. She also believes in learning from setbacks.

 

What do you want students to take away from a year in your class?

My greatest reward is seeing them leave, not just with knowledge, but with newfound boldness and self-assurance. I aim for my students to depart with an understanding of themselves that was previously unexplored. Witnessing my students transform from timid newcomers to confident individuals fills me with joy. Throughout the year, I emphasise the importance of embracing one’s true self. Every day, I strive to create an environment where each student feels empowered to shine brightly as their authentic selves.

Is Wesley a special place? If so, why?

Wesley College is a very special place. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Wesley Community. When I say ‘Community,’ I’m referring to the strong bonds between parents, students, teachers, and staff throughout the College. Each day, I’m reminded of what makes Wesley so unique, and it’s the vibrant energy of constant activity – whether it’s in sports, academics, or assemblies. Wesley truly offers a welcoming environment for everyone, thanks to the incredible educators and staff, and the dynamic atmosphere.

Sport is a key part of Wesley life. Are you a sport fan?

I’m a die-hard Fremantle Dockers supporter, among the most passionate you’ll find. My family and I became Fremantle Members when we relocated from South Africa to Australia 12 years back. While some may argue we chose the ‘wrong’ WA AFL team, I firmly believe in the brewing purple haze, sensing a Premiership on the horizon (fingers crossed)! Back in school, I competed as a State Tennis player, and now, every year, I make the trip to Melbourne for the Australian Open. I also thoroughly enjoy kicking back on the couch during the Summer of Cricket.

Is there someone who inspired you to become a teacher?

My older sister, a teacher herself, used to constantly rope me into playing her ‘teacher-teacher’ game when we were younger. It seems her passion for teaching rubbed off on me, and I’m grateful for that influence now.

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

Embrace your uniqueness and always strive to give your best effort. Authenticity breeds success and fulfillment. Remember, comparison stifles growth; focus on your journey. Be kind to yourself, celebrate victories, and learn from setbacks. Cultivate resilience and determination. Your path is yours alone; make it remarkable by being true to yourself and committing to excellence in all endeavours.

Who or what inspires you to do your best?

This question proved to be the most challenging for me to answer. Naturally, all the typical responses came to mind: my parents, siblings, colleagues, or a teacher from my own educational background. Yet, the students I teach/interact with kept coming up. I strive to do my best for the students who walk into my classroom each day. I want to ensure that everything I am teaching, is being absorbed by every student staring back at me. I want to do my best so that the students can then ultimately do their best!

Cabinet maker turned teacher, Mr Tilley has carved a fascinating career path to Wesley.

 

Did you always want to be a teacher?

I think it’s fair to say mine wasn’t the traditional route to teaching: At school, in England, I really enjoyed woodwork. So, after finishing university, I became a cabinet maker and made one-off pieces of furniture for six years. I love problem-solving, so designing around a client’s brief and then translating it into a unique piece of furniture was incredibly rewarding.

What led to the career change?

There is only a certain amount of boardroom tables you can make before you get bored. So, after reading a newspaper article about teaching, I retrained. I spent my first two years teaching in a London Comprehensive School before becoming the Design and Technology “Master” at Eton College for 16 years.

What brought you to Perth?

Rather bizarrely, during one of my school holidays, while I was still teaching at Eton, I got stuck in Perth when the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted. I decided to make the most of the time and visited different Design and Technology departments in Perth to see what they were up to. Some years later, totally out of the blue, I received an email asking whether I would like to apply for a job at Hale School. A short hop, skip and jump saw me teaching at Hale for 10 years before taking on the Head of Technologies role at Wesley College.

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

Firstly, try and enjoy everything that you do, and secondly, life is full of opportunities. The tricky bit is that the opportunities are not always obvious and sometimes you have to make an effort before they appear. I am always amazed, although I shouldn’t be by now, how often these appear through a random act of kindness or just helping people with no thought about what you might gain from it. You only come this way once, so make the most of every opportunity as they may take you places you never thought possible.

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

While making furniture, I spent 1,050 hours constructing the G7 table that the world leaders sat around at the 1991 conference. It now resides in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London!

 

Mr Tilley is the Head of Learning Area (Technologies). This article was originally published in the Summer 2023 edition of The Wesleyan. To read more, click here.

From Westley to Wesley, Mrs Carroll tells us about her passions.

 

What do you want students to take away from a year in your class?

A love of learning! Teaching across different subjects, I want students to leave feeling excited and hungry to know more about the world and themselves. With my Media and Drama classes I want them to leave feeling they have an avenue to express themselves and a way to tell their stories, as well as appreciate the aesthetic work of others. I hope my English or HASS classes give them the ability to reflect on narratives and sources of information, to view the world from different perspectives, and hopefully help them form their own.

We hear you spent some time studying in the US. Could you tell us more?

I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship to conduct a series of interviews at Yale, Columbia, New York University (NYU) and the New Your Film Academy. It was a surreal, pinch yourself moment, meeting the Dean of Admissions at Yale and chatting about what factors help students flourish in a challenging and competitive academic environment; how academic spaces are best designed and used for contemporary educational needs, and meeting the Director of the New York Film Academy, whose office has a humble view of the Statue of Liberty. It was such a wonderful and affirming experience to know the joys and challenges of teaching are shared globally.

Is there someone who inspired you to become a teacher?

Mr Basil Psanoudakis and Mr Mel Weston — both were incredibly important teachers in my journey. Mr Psanoudakis was my Media teacher, and Year 8–12 mentor. Mr Weston was my Head of House, and perhaps the most composed and kind person I have met. Both taught me the importance of humour in a classroom, being patient and how important it is to take the time to help every single student feel that they belong.

Do you have a favourite quote, and why is it special to you?

“You keep using that word. I don’t think it means what you think it means.” It’s from one of my favourite films (and books) The Princess Bride. Whenever I hear it, it transports me back to watching this film with my brothers. Like Westley, the protagonist, we always need people around to gently guide us when we get it wrong.

What’s a happy memory you’ll never forget?

When I was 16, I spent about six months on exchange in Toronto, Canada. One evening, a friend and I decided to ignore the torrential rain and run 3km to get late-night ice cream. I have never been so cold or laughed so hard in my life. I can still smell the rain on the leaves, and the taste of the double choc ice cream. It was just such a joyful, youthful adventure. And absolutely worth it!

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

From about four or five years old I wanted to be a Veterinarian. I love animals so much, but I came to realise that loving animals and being able to fix them are two different things.

 

Mrs Carrol is the Director of Student Wellbeing and Service Learning. This article was originally published in the Summer 2023 edition of The Wesleyan. To read more, click here.