SENIOR SCHOOL
STAFF
PROFILE
Siza Macdonald
Chemistry Teacher and Mentor
Siza Macdonald keeps extremely busy at Guildford Grammar School as a Chemistry Teacher and Woodbridge House Mentor , as well as running Friday afternoon Titrations and Titration competitions . Having worked at the School for eight years , Guildford Grammar School is part of who she is .
Where did you work before Guildford Grammar School ?
I began my journey with a Chemistry Degree in Industrial Chemistry and went on to study my Teaching Graduate Diploma , and I ’ ve never looked backed ! I ’ ve taught for over 26 years , previously working at Kelmscott Senior High School as the Head of Chemistry and Physics for 16 years . I started as a Deputy and also ran a wellbeing committee , but I wanted to get back in the classroom .
What are the values that drive you ?
Respect – it goes both ways and that ’ s how my classroom works . I have high expectations for my students ; I expect them to give it their best and be well behaved in my classroom . I am driven to be a good person and as a child born during a war ( Lebanon Civil War ), I try to appreciate what I have and value those around me .
What do you like most about your job ?
The students , it ’ s all about them – developing rapport and relationships . I love my mentoring role and am very proud that the 2020 School Captain was in my group . I give a lot to the School and love the students ’ appreciation , especially receiving a Year 12 thank you coin at the end of the year .
What three words would you use to describe your role ?
I see it as a motherly role . One that develops a passion for learning and love for Chemistry , along with guiding , helping and preparing students to achieve their future goals .
“ I give a lot to the School and love the students ’ appreciation ”
In one sentence , describe what Guildford Grammar School means to you .
It ’ s my family and community – it ’ s who I am . My whole family is a part of Guildford Grammar School – we ’ re almost part of the furniture ! My husband and I are parents and teachers at the School , and it is part of our life and friendships , we ’ re an extension of the community and its embedded within us .
What do feel gratitude for this year ?
Having the ability to still reach students and to continue their learning journey remotely , despite the circumstances . I am also very grateful for my family and their health .
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working ?
My husband and I do everything together , we ’ re best friends . We run together and enjoy watching The Eagles . I also enjoy
watching my son play soccer and spending time with my daughter . I love to read when I have time and garden . I ’ m the only non-musical person in our house and love listening to my family play music ; my daughter sings , my son plays the drums and my husband plays the guitar . I also dedicate time to helping others and volunteer at Ronald McDonald House at Christmas .
What was your most memorable moment from 2020 ?
Being able to travel at the beginning of the year and holiday in Penang for my birthday . Later in the year , my son gave an awesome performance of Admiral Horn Honker in the Drama production of Pirates of the Curry Bean . I also loved the time spent together with my family during lockdown when we were forced to slow down – I even practiced soccer drills with my son to support his training .
Time to reconnect : Come and visit us in 2021
How long is it since you took a tour of Guildford Grammar School ? Did you know we have a School museum on the grounds ? A great deal has changed over the years and there is much more to see , including our new state-of-the-art co-educational Boarding House .
Take the opportunity to visit old haunts , see new facilities , chat with fellow Old Guildfordians and past parents , and meet our Principal , Anne Dunstan . Keep a look out on our website for 2021 tour dates soon . We look forward to welcoming you back to Guildford Grammar School !
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