On top of her duties as a Senior School Science teacher, Mrs Silke Smith is the Year 9 Boarding Coordinator. Both inside and outside of the classroom, Silke embodies the commitment that all Wesley College staff should show in helping students to thrive.
Why did you become a teacher?
I like ‘growing people’, both from an educational and a pastoral perspective. This was probably best manifested in South Africa, where one of my teaching jobs involved teaching adults at night school. These lovely people had not been educated – they had fallen through the gaps of the apartheid regime, but wished to better themselves, despite working full time. It was such a privilege to work with them and to witness their determination and tenacity in overcoming enormous challenges.
What do you like about being a teacher?
The unpredictability of children making every day a different adventure. As a teacher I love it when you see a student grasp a difficult concept (the proverbial light bulb goes on) and as a Boarding House Year Coordinator I love watching the boys grow and develop from small, young playful boys into tall, responsible, resilient (and playful) young men.
If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?
1. That people take more responsibility for the environment and conservation.
2. An end to poverty and its ramifications.
3. And lastly a personal one – cheaper, easier, quicker travel so that families do not have to live apart.
Best purchase you’ve ever had?
Plane tickets to fly to new Zealand to meet my sister’s babies.
Worst purchase you’ve ever had?
A bad haircut.
What do you like most about Wesley?
As Wesley staff we are strongly encouraged to broaden our horizons so that we can help to develop well rounded children.
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