Ms Lisa Sacristani commenced in her role as Head of Middle School at Kingswood College in Box Hill in January 2023. She reveals why the school is a great place to teach.
WhichSchool?: What are the top three highlights you’ve experienced since working at the school?
Ms Sacristani: The top three highlights I have experienced in my role are:
- Listening to student voice and enacting our commitment to consistency, engagement and connection across the Middle School.
- Establishing academic programs that allow for each student to stretch in their learning.
- Working alongside a fabulous group of staff!
What makes the school different from other schools?
At Kingswood College, we are genuinely committed to helping all children develop a love for learning. Our dedication to emboldening hearts and inspiring minds is more than just a vision; it is deeply embedded in our daily practices. We ensure that no young person slips through the cracks. We pride ourselves on knowing our students and being aspirational for them.
Why is the school a great place to teach?
Our students are a joy to teach. They are engaged in their learning and enjoy building relationships with staff, which makes our job incredibly fulfilling. We foster a collegial environment where we know how to work hard while having fun in the process!
What are some of the challenges faced by teachers in the primary/secondary sector?
There’s no doubt that the online world presents many challenges for our young people today. Guiding them through a landscape we were never prepared for is indeed a challenge. However, every challenge brings an opportunity, and we have the chance to listen to and learn from our students. Ultimately, we always come back to our school values and seek to understand how we can live out these values both in person and in the digital space.
Tell us about your approach or philosophy to teaching?
I am committed to promoting a learning environment that empowers students to become well-rounded, confident, and compassionate individuals. By combining academic growth, emotional intelligence and practical application, we can develop young people capable of making a positive impact on society.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you? Tell us about them, and how they inspired you.
I was fortunate to receive an amazing education, for which I am deeply grateful. Many teachers have had a significant impact on me, and I am especially thankful for those who believed in me and cheered me on. They encouraged me to audition for that role, to write another draft because they knew I could give a bit more and reminded me that hard work would take me far.
