Alice Mason talks about coming Holme.
Q & A with Teacher of Humanities, Alice Mason Fairholme Old Girl turned Fairholme Teacher, Alice Mason, talks about coming Holme.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I have always enjoyed learning and wanted to pass on that passion to students. My two aunties are also teachers and I have seen the positive impact they have made on their communities, which inspired me to pursue the same career.
How does it feel to return to your alma mater as a teacher?
Arriving back at Fairholme was exciting and nostalgic. It was such a nice feeling being welcomed back by so many familiar and friendly faces. My first interaction with the school in my new role was a ‘welcome holme Alice’, from a staff member. It was such a privilege to be back at a place that I looked back on so fondly. An unexpected challenge was calling my previous teachers by their first name!
How has Fairholme changed?
It has been nine years since I graduated, and I think Fairholme is still very much the same. The leadership team of the school is a constant, and through that stability it is evident that we are lucky because the ‘magic recipe’ hasn’t changed. There is continuity in the routines, traditions and culture which I believe is advantageous for the environment of the school. It is also superb to see Cameron is still the best house, many years on – not biased at all!
What do you think sets Fairholme apart, both as a student and now as a teacher?
There is a special sense of belonging you have as a Fairholme student, and I continue to feel that now as a staff member. The positive environment is evident when I’ve heard the same story multiple times from current staff members; they love working at Fairholme. There are also many of us ‘old girls’ who have returned as teachers and I believe that says a lot about the school and our experiences. As a staff member, I have also noticed the continual sharing of ideas and knowledge between teachers, which ultimately betters every girl’s experience.
What are some of your favourite memories as a Fairholme student?
All Schools Touch Football tournaments, lunch times sitting with friends, the camps, the sport carnivals, the fun times shared between Boarders and Day Girls and the chaos and excitement of Year 12… the list goes on! My family and I still laugh about the Parent vs Student 100m relay at the Athletics Carnival where I started the race against my surprisingly quick father; the Year 12s got the win!
Are there any teachers who inspired you at school?
I was so lucky to have been taught by so many amazing teachers, many of whom I get to work alongside now. Katrina Maher, Derek Cantle and Sess taught me that teaching goes beyond PowerPoint slides and homework; they always looked out for me and pushed me to be my best, for which I will be forever grateful.
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