I have always held the strong belief that my role as a teacher is to educate the whole child. Each student is an individual and as such has different preferences for learning and will also perceive and interpret meaning differently. By including a variety of teaching strategies, differentiation and multimodal experiences I try to provide explicit instruction, modelling, shared and guided experiences. Incorporating these and some experiential learning through whole class, individual, partner and/or small group activities is also of benefit. The objective of this is to encourage and motivate students to learn and to create the best possible opportunities for all students to engage with their learning so they can make progress towards their individual academic, social and emotional goals. Underlying my teaching philosophy is also the belief that through providing a supportive environment that includes high but realistic expectations it helps students learn to have a go, believe in themselves and their abilities and contributes towards increasing their sense of self-worth. It also enables them to discover their specific strengths and interests and provides a supportive system under which they can develop to the best of their abilities.

Finally, I believe that respect is the foundation that all the above must be built upon and will endeavour to promote it as a required value in any classroom and school in which I find myself lucky enough to work in.”

Trish is currently working with Eton Farm Primary School as our Art & Class Teacher and has bought such a breadth of knowledge to the children. Other duties include working as our Curriculum Co-ordinator.

Trish holds a Bachelor of Education from Murdoch University. WA

I have been teaching in WA schools for 20+ years in varying roles. I have taught in the Perth metro area, as well as the South West and in the Pilbara. Every school I have taught in has helped me grow into the teacher I am today and I am continuing to learn and grow to become the best teacher I can be for my students.

I have always said that every child is a unique individual. This is so apparent when providing each child with an education programme to suit their needs and abilities. I believe children benefit from a varied approach to learning. Some like direct instruction, some like being guided on their learning journey, some like to explore independently and all children love to play! Giving children varied learning experiences allows them to find their preferred method of learning and develop a way to build on their successes. Allowing children to work independently, in small groups and as a whole class can also benefit their learning experience. In my teaching, I provide differentiated programmes to suit each child, as they all progress at their own pace.

Not only is a child’s academic success important, but so is their social and emotional wellbeing. Nurturing the “whole” child helps them develop skills to overcome any obstacles that may be in their way. Providing a supportive classroom where children are comfortable to have a go, take risks with their learning, encourage and support others, helps to build their confidence and self-esteem.

I am very thankful to be working at Eton Farm Primary School. Their vision for their students and the future growth of the school, links to my own. I really enjoy being able to provide the children with a fun and educational experience that allows for individual growth and learning “outside the square”. We are all part of a wonderful, nurturing and supportive school community, with the focus on developing amazing people, who are our future.

'I wonder how...'

Nothing beats allowing time for children to learn, discover and then witnessing those "MAGIC Moments". I absolutely LOVE teaching. Combining our natural environment with our curriculum and encouraging kind, respectful, resilient little learners whilst having fun is my passion and is what keeps me young and motivated.

I have three adult daughters and I love trail running. My favourite place being the Bibbulmun Track where I enjoy pushing my body and mind to beyond where I think it can go.

Jen is a dedicated and highly competent Early Childhood Teacher, committed to implementing a creative, passionate, and nurturing learning environment where every child is seen every day. I believe that each child is capable of successful learning and that building positive and caring relationships is the key to creating an outstanding school. I actively engage students, staff, and the community in developing a sustainable environment and see indoor and outdoor education as one unity.

We have welcomed her to our Eton Farm team this year (2022).

Teaching was my dream from a very young age and something I knew I was destined to be. I am assured I was always playing schools as a child with my friends. I have wonderful memories of my own teachers, and I hope to be part of creating positive memories for the children I teach.

I have taught in country and metropolitan schools over the last 30+ years specialising in Early Childhood Education and discovering new ideas with every group I teach. Fun and laughter are very important to me, and I believe that every child will grow and develop when they can enjoy their learning journey.

Eton Farm allows me to take children on a learning journey that meets their needs rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Learning is so much more than four walls, a whiteboard and a desk and I am excited to be part of a school that not only understands this but actively challenges this idea. Supportive colleagues, wonderful families and inquisitive children have allowed me to build relationships with the whole school and not just a designated classroom, allowing me to be part of a community that is helping to nurture our future.

Nature, in particular the forest and it’s native fauna, is my life. I immerse myself in it every day, and I strive to protect it. Passing on this love of nature to the children I work alongside is incredibly important to me. As we know, research shows that nature reduces anxiety, stress and promotes resilience- embedded for life if you start that connection with nature while the children are young.
This quote from David Sobel resonates with me perfectly…

“What’s important is that children have an opportunity to bond with the natural world, to learn to love it, before being asked to heal its wounds.”

I'm the eldest of six and love being part of a big family. Growing up in a multi-cultural family has instilled my love of food so I enjoy cooking and baking recipes from all around the world. I started riding horse as a child and later as a teenage, moved to a small farm where I enjoy taking our horses for trail rides through the bush. When I'm not riding, I enjoy reading and watching old movies.

Being the eldest and from a big extended family, there has always been a lot of children around. This is my philosophy:

"Teach a child in the way they should go and when they are grow they will not turn from it".

I believe that supporting children through their youth will help them to become confident in who they are and what they do.