31 Mar 2022
Why did you become a teacher?
I grew up in a rough area in Western Sydney and my Mum always drilled into me that Education was my super power to being able to achieve anything that I wanted in the future. After being supported by amazing teachers as a child I soon realised that Teaching is what I wanted to do and Education could continue to be my super power. My Mum was disappointed at first, she wanted me to be a lawyer, but she knows that it was the right choice and I am so lucky to wake up every day and do a job that I love!
When and how did you start your teaching career and what are some of the skills and attributes you will bring to the school? (From past jobs)
When I finished University I initially taught casually at Pendle Hill High School, there were no PDHPE jobs at the time so I was teaching Home Economics, anyone who knows me knows that I cannot sew and am not the best cook, so it was steep learning curve! I then went to England and taught at Sports High School.
From there I worked at Hoxton Park High School in South Western Sydney as a PDHPE teacher, sport coordinator, year adviser and relieving Head Teach PDHPE. I was also the Rugby League coach for the boys and girls Rugby League teams. Our under 14s team made it to the top 4 in the Buckley Shield and had to travel to Forbes to play! It was a great trip and a huge accomplishment for our kids!
Next was Plumpton High School in Western Sydney, I was there 9 years and my main roles were Head Teacher PDHPE, Deputy Principal and Relieving Principal, but I was also part of their Aboriginal Education Team, the Welfare Team, the Differentiation Team. As the Deputy Principal who looked after Welfare we redesigned and implemented a new Wellbeing framework that incorporated three psychological frameworks (Choice Theory, Growth Mindset and Positive Psychology). In my opinion, if Wellbeing is not supported, learning is almost impossible!
After Plumpton I made a side ways step to Cronulla High School as Deputy Principal, this broadened my skills in working with different kinds of communities. My main roles at Cronulla High School were around Professional Learning and Student Engagement, through working with the Head Teacher Secondary Studies, the HPGE (High Performance, Gifted Education) Team and with Faculty Head Teachers we were able to design and deliver quality professional learning to support student engagement and achievement.
Besides working with students, Professional Learning would have to be my favourite part of this job, I love learning new strategies and sharing these ideas!
What is your favourite sporting team?
My sport of choice to watch on TV is more dictated by my husband, but it is Rugby League and I follow the Roosters. Fortunately, when he watches Soccer I am normally asleep, but he follows Arsenal. I have been made aware that the code of choice in Jindabyne is Rugby Union and that the local team are the Bush Pigs. I may need to watch a few Rugby games to polish up on the rules.
How would you like to work with the SRC and Leadership team in the future?
I think it is really important to empower the SRC and Leadership Team to be change makers. I see my role as one of guidance based on your ideas and opinions. I really look forward to getting to know more of the Student Leadership Team and listening to your thoughts, the Student Leadership Team need to be advocates for their peers.
Why did you apply for the JCS Principal job?
My goal has not always been to be a Principal; I initially thought as a Teacher and then a Head Teacher that I never want to not be in the classroom. Then, after becoming a Deputy Principal, I realised I can make a difference to more students by working with more teachers and decided my goal was to be a Principal. When I saw Jindabyne High School (Name Pending) advertised, I was thrilled. As a snowboarder who is down here most weekends in winter, I knew this is a lovely community and would be a great place to live and work. When I looked at the goals and future directions for teaching and learning in the Strategic Improvement Plan, I felt like the skills I have developed would be really useful in achieving these goals and it would be a perfect fit. Then the cherry on top was the opportunity to be part of a new school as it is created. Ideally it would have been better timing if I wasn’t pregnant, but I can’t change that. The added bonus is that I will get to raise my son here, which will be amazing!
What are some of the challenges of moving a half-established school onto a new ground?
I think the biggest challenge or key factor to focus on while moving is sustaining the amazing partnership that we have with the Primary School by being on the one site. Ensuring that this relationship continues will be paramount. I see the new site as an opportunity for new beginnings and a new identity for the High School as its own School. I feel it is more exciting than challenging.
How was your first week at JCS?
My first week was fabulous, staff, students and parents that I have met have all been extremely welcoming. I was able to pop into some classrooms, meet with students at recess and lunch and learn more about the school. I have also been given advice from the students on what nights there are discounts at the cinemas and places I should try for dinner. I am really excited to be here and cannot wait to meet even more of the community.
We hope this provides an insight into our new principal. From our point of view, we believe that Mrs Lawson will be a good asset to the school and its future. She has taken an extra step to form relationships with the students and staff. She has a positive attitude everyday towards the student and her surroundings. Outside of school hours Mrs Lawson has put in effort to socialise with the community at local sporting competitions, such as netball, and watch the kids from JCS do what they love.
Written by Charlotte Linton (Captain) and Finn Chatten (Vice Captain) on behalf of the Student Leadership Team.