Welcome to our new Deputy, Teaching and Learning K–12 At the start of Term 1, we welcomed Ms Amy van Arkkels, our inaugural Deputy, Teaching and Learning K–12, who joined us from Roseville College. Amy started her career as an English teacher, but branched into 3. You started your career as an English teacher. staff development, student resilience and engagement, and learning What do you love about that subject? dispositions. She has spoken at events for leaders in education across Australia. Before Roseville College, Amy was the Director of First and foremost, I am a teacher of children and young adults. Teaching Quality (K–12) at Ravenswood, as well as the Head of their I love learning about English, science, design, and the arts, and Ravenswood Institute. She has taught at Wenona, Emanuel and I enjoy sharing that love of learning with each student I teach. Macquarie Fields High. For me, the joy of teaching has always been watching the way a student transforms through their learning. 1. What are your first impressions of Newington College, after your first term in the role? Obviously, though, I do have a slight bias for English after being immersed in that subject for many years. Over the past two years My favourite word often used at Newington is ‘restless’ and there is I have read the most incredible books. I love the way a book can a strong sense of this which ripples throughout each campus. As a change your life forever by altering your perspective. When I read learning community, Newington is focused on continuous inquiry, The Overstory by Richard Powers, I realised I would never look at trees exploration, and reflection; there is an energy here that is hard to in the same way again. That may sound like a strange synopsis, but capture in words but if you could bottle it, well, I think you’d have you’ll just have to read the book to find out more… something pretty special indeed. 4. You worked at a variety of schools before Newington. There is also an enormous amount of warmth and care which What are some previous career highlights? radiates through each classroom and House area, along hallways and throughout the playgrounds. Each student is valued for who they are I have been fortunate to work with incredible educators, students, and, with so many opportunities both in and out of the classroom, and families across a variety of schools. Each community has every individual can thrive in their own talents and abilities. In my taught me something different and shaped the educator and Year 11 English class alone, I teach rowers, swimmers, audio-visual person I am today. technicians, singers, actors, basketballers, artists, water polo and chess players; and that was just Term 1! When I think about each of these schools, I remember the people and what we achieved together; whether that be a team of teacher- 2. You are the inaugural Deputy, Teaching and researchers developing prototypes, a class of reluctant readers Learning K–12 – what is exciting about your role? who went on to achieve outstanding HSC results, or a group of educational leaders tackling curriculum or pedagogical frameworks. Education, as a reflection of the world we live in, is always changing Education is highly relational so the highlights, for me, will always so no day or month or year is the same. Teaching and learning are be about the people. dynamic and transformative and that makes it an exciting space in which to play, think and work. 5. You’re studying for a doctorate from Macquarie University – please tell us about your research? Newington is filled with incredible educators and educational leaders and there is a strong sense of purpose here, embodied in our Great My research investigates the self-efficacy and resilience of beginning Hearts, Inspired Minds, Strong Wings model. It is energising to work teachers. Many in our community would be aware of the increasing alongside colleagues who are committed to the highest quality of teacher shortage across Australia; there is a lot to be done in education for our students. effectively supporting teachers as they transition into the profession and navigate the beginning years of teaching. Working across three campuses, with children from pre-K to our young adults in Year 12, is also a joy. Children, of all ages, are At Newington, our Internship Program is an outstanding example of incredible thinkers and are full of surprises. I am continuously how we contribute to our profession by providing opportunities for impressed by young people, by their energy, their ingenuity, and final year teacher education students to work alongside and learn their care of each other; as adults we learn a lot through spending from our experienced teachers. I have been so fortunate to have time with them. incredible support and mentorship throughout my career. I hope my research will contribute to our profession in outlining how we can best support beginning teachers and harness their talents and skill set. Curiosity | News Autumn 2022 | 5