Meet our Director of Curriculum and VCE
Patty Wallace-Smith joined St Catherine's in 2008 in the new role of Director of Curriculum and VCE having been Deputy Principal at Fintona Girls School. Having also taught at Lauriston and Ruyton, and as a past student of Korowa, Patty says her CV is "rather unique in relation to girls' education."
In your time so far at the School, what is it you really like about St Catherine's?
In my time so far at St Catherine's I have perhaps been most captivated by the geniality of girls, staff and parents, and by a rather heady sense that exciting new beginnings are abroad and there is indeed much to be positive about and remarkable things for us to accomplish collectively.
What is the most appealing aspect of your role?
I would say the task of re-orienting any perception that curriculum is some sort of dry, esoteric area of School life. I see curriculum as the well-crafted ‘spine' of a school, but its attraction lies in the creative directions that it can also take by the time it reaches the ‘theatre' of the classroom. Planning and delivering classes well is the lifeblood of a school. It is, after all, the spirit of the teachers and the lessons they imparted that we still remember, countless decades after our school days.
What curriculum initiatives have been completed over the last year?
In one year alone we paved the way to implement Mandarin in the 2009 curriculum, introduced a comprehensive Health and Personal Development course (Years 7 to 10), reviewed the protocols associated with VCE administration, introduced new subjects for consideration, revised the Reporting structures, and implemented the Independent Learning Class to cater for students of high intellectual potential who learn in a different way.
What are some of your interests outside of work?
I am a truly voracious reader. I also revel in any beckoning opportunities to flex my passport, entertain friends, tune into smooth jazz, ski or behold the Geelong Football Club or the Australian Cricket Team in action!