With over sixty years of teaching experience at Stuartholme between them we are pleased to share the stories of four teachers with our community.
Michael Elliott, Leader of Learning – Innovation, Andrew Mear, Leader of Culture, Lourdes Rosenstengel, Teacher and Debbie Gaggin, Research Librarian and Teacher were featured in the recent staff videos which are available on the website.
Stuartholme’s Marketing Manager, Maree Taylor explained why it is important to share stories about the teachers.
“We have a school full of amazing teachers, who are often quietly working away on innovative approaches to education, or they bring a unique set of experiences to the classroom and it’s important to share their stories with our families.
“We have started with four teachers, but will share more stories soon.”
Michael Elliott, Leader of Learning – Innovation has been at Stuartholme for 29 years. In his role he works with other teachers to develop more innovative strategies that better address the needs of each individual student.
“At Stuartholme we have developed our use of technology. One of the things it allows us to do is personalise the learning so that we meet each student at their level.
“Rather than teaching thirty students, we’re teaching the individuals.”
Michael is also passionate about the process of learning, and keeping the students engaged.
“If the girls aren’t engaged then they’re not learning. So really the first thing a teacher needs to think about is engagement - how do I engage the girls?
“One of the most important things to do that is to make sure that the girls understand the ‘why’ of the learning, why am I learning this? It’s actually more important than the ‘what’ that they’re learning. I spend a lot of time explaining to the girls why we need to be doing what we’re doing in the classroom.”
Before becoming a teacher, Andrew Mear, Leader of Culture - Performance, was involved in conducting orchestras and bands in New Zealand and South East Queensland. Andrew brings a depth of experience that he uses to bring out the best in students and support them in their development.
“The Music Programme at Stuartholme School is exceptional.
“It provides students with a variety of ensembles to develop their technique and musicianship from a very early age, through their six years of study through performances and rehearsals, up to Year 12 where we have more performances and competitions.”
Lourdes Rosenstengel, Mathematics Teacher, has a passion for her subject, which she credits to her father.
“My father is a Mathematics Teacher and I remember as a child watching him prepare for his lessons and looking through his textbooks. I thought he was a genius who understood this language of Maths that I didn't understand at all.
“I was so intrigued by it that I wanted to learn it myself. I remember the stories he would share with us growing up about his teaching experience and I could see he really had a love for it and his profession.”
It’s this passion that Lourdes brings to the classroom every day to inspire her students in a love of learning.
Debbie Gaggin enjoys the unique role she has at Stuartholme as Research Librarian and Teacher.
“My position has a dual role, as a teacher in Ancient History and also as a Research Librarian.
“I work individually with students from all ages within the School. With their homework, with their assessment, with research and critical thinking and with their writing skills.
“I also do research for teachers and students, assisting them and then placing those resources in an information management system that the students, teachers and parents can access.”
Engaging the students is important to Debbie and in the process she passes on her passion for Ancient History. And this passion means her class is never boring.
“In the classroom, I set it up in a circle or a forum so that we all look at each other and we’re involved in intellectual discussion.
“I also like to immerse the students in the culture and food, so I bring in food from the civilisations we’re studying and videos to make them familiar.”
“What I really love about Stuartholme and why I’ve stayed here these thirteen years is that there’s a sense of community here that made me feel welcome from the start.”
A recurring theme from all our staff is a shared love of Stuartholme, the staff, students and families and the strong connection they feel with the School.
Watch the videos now at http://www.stuartholme.com/about-stuartholme/teachers-and-specialist-staff/
