Teaching for life
Talk to any teacher and they will tell you the joy they experienced as a student during their thirteen years of schooling . They will tell you they loved learning , and as a consequence chose a career in teaching .
Newly appointed director of teaching and learning , Rontania Jensen knows that the key to a student ’ s future success is not in the individual one-off teaching moments in a classroom , but in being able to create lifelong learners .
With this in mind , Mountain View Adventist College has put emphasis on achieving this goal by creating a director of teaching and learning , which spans the entire school , from Kindergarten to Year 12 .
“ The vision for this new role is that it will increase collaboration across the school when it comes to learning and
setting up an environment where children enjoy learning ,” says Ms Jensen .
Whilst it might seem obvious that a school is a place where teachers teach and children learn , the challenge is to understand that learning opportunities are everywhere , not just in the classroom .
The entire learning environment needs to foster individual interests and prepare the students for life beyond school .
“ One of the greatest joys of being a teacher for the past sixteen years is seeing my students get excited about finally grasping an idea or watching them passionately help another student with a concept they understand ,” enthuses Ms Jensen .
Mountain View Adventist College is a co-educational integrated Prep to Year 12 Christian School , located in Doonside .
Training people for the most important job in the world
Most of her career , Heather has worked in western Sydney with other nurses and carers , a high proportion of whom come from a migrant or refugee background . Now as lead trainer in Community Services at Macquarie Community College , Heather is well-known and respected .
“ I tell my students that looking after a person who ’ s in their last stage of life is one of the most important jobs in the world ,” says Heather .
“ Some of these people have fought for Australia , and all of them have helped build and contribute to this country . It ’ s very satisfying to make a difference in their lives .”
Heather ’ s no-nonsense style and her directness in communicating , makes her a popular trainer of Aged or Disability Care courses .
Without mincing words , she gives her students a complete picture of their clients ’ needs and that there are more than just physical and technical aspects to caring .
“ They have to know that while this is rewarding work , it can be very challenging and confronting at times .”
Michelle Rowland with college trainers and students .
Heather ’ s success as a lead trainer is echoed in the positive feedback received from Aged Care and Disability providers . A high percentage of students from the college gain employment as a result and it ’ s not uncommon for some to be offered jobs before they ’ ve even completed their course .
Along with employing some of the best trainers in the industry , Macquarie Community College has recently initiated SKILLS4You , a program that provides wraparound support services and improves employment readiness , capability , and work experience for migrant women .
If you are interested working in Aged or Disability Care call Macquarie Community College today on 1300 845 888 or visit www . macquarie . nsw . edu . au .
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 16 // JULY 2022 25