Jenny Simmons is one of our Foundation teachers at NCC. This week we caught up with Jenny and her class while they were on an “excursion” around school, took some photos and found out a little bit more about why she loves to teach at NCC.
Describe teaching in three words.
Rewarding, motivating and challenging.
What do you love most about teaching?
When I open the classroom door each morning and see the faces that greet me. It always reminds me that I’m where I’m meant to be.
What’s special about NCC?
I have been fortunate and grateful to work in both denominational and nondenominational schools. My immediate reply to what is special about NCC is that it is so much more than just a school.
I remember the first new school year that I was a part of at NCC. Students hadn’t started yet and all the staff were together in the staff room. Mr Michalski was talking to us about the year ahead and I remember how he concluded. He said ‘I want the school community to see not only how much we care for our students but for each other as well’ .
Not only did I feel grateful to be a member of staff at NCC but it was then I knew I was part of something special – a unique group of people who work very hard to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
What do you learn from your students?
My students teach me everyday that there is always a reason. A reason why they feel the way they do, a reason for why they think as they do and a reason why learning has either made sense or got stuck for them. Most importantly they remind me that we are all unique individuals with special personalities, gifts and wonders. I receive much joy from getting to know each of them.
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be and why?
I often ponder this question and have quite a list which includes: being a backup singer, even though I can’t sing like Miss K – I’d just like to do the groovy dance moves. I recently thought that I would like to be a nurse who works at The Royal Children’s Hospital. I would also like to be a midwife whose only job is to cuddle the newborn babies. On a more creative side, I would like to be a florist filling up my day with arranging fresh flowers or a jeweller at Tiffany’s in Bourke St!
My reason for each of these things is that they are all professions that I admire and would like to be a part of.
