'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).

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.