What inspired you to pursue teaching, and what do you find most rewarding about working in education?
Is it too corny to say Robin Williams in ‘Dead Poets Society?’ I watched that movie when I was in high school and it really did inspire me on my career path. I could also throw Indiana Jones into the mix as this kick-started my fascination with History. Sadly, my career hasn’t been as immersed in supernatural artifacts or being chased by giant boulders as I’d hoped!
What I find most rewarding about working in education is witnessing the genuine growth of students every day, not just academically, but as confident, capable individuals. There is something uniquely fulfilling about seeing a student develop skills over time: a hesitant writer finding their voice, a reluctant participant beginning to contribute, or a struggling learner gradually mastering challenging concepts through persistence and support to reach that ‘eureka’ moment.
Equally important is the impact on student wellbeing. Supporting students as they navigate challenges, build relationships, and gain confidence in themselves is deeply meaningful. When students feel safe, valued, and understood, their capacity to learn and grow expands significantly and being part of that process is incredibly rewarding.
More than anything though – teaching is lots of fun!
Tell us a bit about your journey - what led you to teach at Oxley?
I, like a few of my Oxley contemporaries had been working at Newington College in Sydney for many years. During the turbulent COVID times, my wife and I decided to ‘escape’ to the Southern Highlands, and we fell in love with the area and the lifestyle. A job teaching History opened up at Oxley and I jumped at the chance to really begin our new life down here and I have never regretted that decision.
What do you hope students remember most about their time in your classroom?
I’d like them to look back and remember a classroom that had energy: moments of curiosity, laughter, lively discussion, and the occasional spark when something suddenly clicked. Learning should feel engaging and human, not just a process of ticking boxes. If students can say, “That was actually fun,” then we’re on the right track. They also will have had to have submitted themselves to a litany of dad-jokes and terrible puns along the way.
At the same time, I hope they remember that nothing of real value came easily and that’s exactly the point. The sense of achievement that comes from grappling with a difficult idea, persisting through setbacks, and finally mastering something is far more meaningful than instant success. We live in a world where the ‘quick-fix’ is so popular so I want them to carry with them the understanding that effort and resilience are what lead to genuine progress.
Ultimately, if students leave with both a sense of enjoyment and an appreciation that hard work brings its own rewards, then I’ll be happy.
When you're not at school, what are some things you love doing or exploring?
I’m a bit of a sports nut, so when I can, I’ll be consuming football, cricket or AFL (I grew up in Melbourne sorry) at various stages of the year. I love keeping active as well, so running, cycling and playing/coaching sport are all high on my agenda.
I also still have a passion for learning. I’ve recently completed my Masters of History and you will often find me delving deep into historical texts, biographies or giant tomes of world history. I’m also constantly watching historical films and documentaries, much to my wife’s frustration.
I also have two beautiful children that I really love spending time with. I’m a bit of a big kid myself, so it’s nice to spend time with an audience very much on my level!
What's your favourite thing about the Southern Highlands?
For me it is the scenery. I love how on my drive to work there are rolling green hills, rivers and forests. I always try to take time to be mindful of the amazing surroundings here and I often encourage students to just take a moment to pause on the library steps and just look out at the view – it’s great for the soul. It also makes for great runs and bike rides!
I also love the community here in the Highlands, even though we are relative newcomers, my family already feel very much at home within this amazing place.
