What’s your connection to Brimbank?
I have been working in Sunshine since 1979 when I commenced teaching at Sunshine Technical School and have worked at the various campuses of Sunshine College once it was formed in 1991.
What do you like best about the area?
As a teacher and now a principal I have always felt that the community, and in particular the students I have come into contact with, are really genuine and honest.
What could make the area better?
I think the council is on the right track in making sure there are plenty of avenues for the community to interact and be involved in activities outside of work and study.
Making sure we have trees and gardens and a link to nature on our doorstep is important.
What are your favourite places to go eat in Brimbank?
I have been to the Granary Cafe quite a bit to eat and look at the art work on display by students in the Brimbank area and then there is plenty of Vietnamese restaurants to choose from which are great.
Congratulations on the award, how do you feel?
I’m very proud of the award, and I think it’s one of those ones that you share with everyone at the school.
I’m the principal but the work that’s been done by the teachers is the main thing that achieves these outcomes.
Tell me about the literacy programs at Sunshine College that helped deliver you this award.
The whole staff is involved in our literacy programs, whether you’re an English teacher or woodwork, it’s a whole school approach.
We started with a bit of self belief that we could do things and improve in that area, and the most rewarding part is seeing kids who think they can’t do it, realise they can.
All the programs are aimed at hitting the kids at their point of need, so it’s not about making it too hard or easy for them, but giving them what they need to improve, which has been really successful.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’m a bit out of shape now but I used to play A grade badminton and with my boat building family background I’m still doing a fair bit of sailing in a little wooden boat.
