Get to Know: Assistant Head of Primary - Teaching and Learning

Assistant Head of Primary - Teaching and Learning

Fiona Anderson has been an Assistant Head of Primary since 2021, with the role being renamed in 2023.

Brief summary of professional career:

I began my teaching career in Victoria, before heading to Japan to teach English for a year. After several more years teaching in Victoria where my passion and leadership developed into supporting graduate teachers and working students & teachers in making their transition to secondary school as successful as possible. Since moving to WA 11 years ago, I have been fortunate enough to teach and lead in Catholic Education. Before moving to MCC in 2021 I have enjoyed engaging with teachers in the areas of curriculum development and literacy both within a classroom and in a leadership capacity. Over the last two years I have worn several hats within our Primary School and love them all. From Leadership in Pastoral Care and Teaching and Learning to Acting Head of Primary, I have been very fortunate to wake up every day and come and do what I love at a school that I love.

What are you most looking forward to, in your role this year?

Again, a year of two hats, but across it all I am very excited in my role of AHOP Teaching and Learning this first semester, to work closely with our Primary teachers to support them in all that they do in the area of Teaching and Learning. We have so many new curriculum initiatives happening within the Primary School, it's a very exciting time and I am so blessed to be part of it and I can't wait to see what they do for our students. In the second half of the year, as the Acting Head of Primary, I am ready to continue building relationships and working with our community and for our community to ensure that our Primary School is the best it can be.

Professional passion, or educational philosophy:

Relationships are the foundation for student achievement within a school context. Positive relationships with students, parents, staff and our greater school community are of the upmost importance if students are to achieve to their full potential. This is what drives everything I do within my role and in my life both in and out of school.

What is a fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that I have stepped out of my comfort zone and joined Mandurah Calisthenics. It’s a great way to have a laugh, learn (or try to learn) some new skills and dance moves and start to appreciate how hard it is to learn several dances and new skills at once!

Key responsibilities of your Role:

The Assistant Head of Primary - Teaching and Learning focuses primarily on curriculum, assessments, reporting, external testing, learning support and the extension program. They are also responsible for bringing the College Vision for Learning, ‘FLOW’, to life though educational aspects.