Joining Hume Anglican Grammar this year, Naomi says she has been warmly welcomed into our vibrant community. A teacher of English, Naomi’s passion for student wellbeing has led her to various pastoral care roles. Naomi believes that students learn best when they feel connected, supported and valued. When students’ wellbeing is prioritised, they can thrive, achieve their best and develop the resilience needed to flourish in all aspects of life.  

What do you like most about working at Hume Anglican Grammar? 
What I love most is being part of a team of passionate professionals who are deeply invested in the wellbeing and success of our students – the heart of everything we do!  

I have the privilege of working closely with our dedicated team of first aid officers, counsellors and psychologists, alongside our Heads of Student Wellbeing and Year Level Coordinators. Together, we take a proactive approach to supporting students, ensuring they receive the right care at every stage of their school life.   

Can you provide us with a 'snapshot' into your daily routine at school? 
No day is ever the same! That’s something I love about working in a school. We are always responding to what is happening in the lives of young people and travelling the journey alongside them. One thing I am working on ensuring is that our wellbeing program is responsive to the evolving needs of students in today’s world. With new challenges such as technology, social pressures, and the need to protect our mental health, also come opportunities for growth and learning. Our goal is to equip students with the skills, resilience, and knowledge they need to navigate the modern world and approach the future with excitement and confidence.  

Who has had the biggest impact on your career and why? 
I think my Year 6 teacher has had the biggest impact on my career as she was the one who inspired me to think about this as a possible career. I remember her care and passion with her job when she faced the classroom each day. 

Fast Four: 

What is your favourite book or movie? 
At university, I studied Italian film. One of my favourite films is La Vita è Bella (Life Is Beautiful), a 1997 Italian comedy-drama directed by and starring Roberto Benigni. The film tells the story of Guido Orefice, a Jewish Italian bookshop owner who uses his imagination and love to shield his young son from the horrors of the Holocaust. It is a deeply moving and life-affirming story of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable bond between a father and son during unimaginable adversity.   

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Before becoming an educator, I worked across several industries, including IT, Performing Arts as an actor, and the Health and Wellbeing industry as a yoga instructor. I consider myself a lifelong learner and am currently in my fourth and final year of a Master’s in Adolescent Health and Wellbeing. My journey and varied experiences have shaped my approach to supporting others and have given me a deep appreciation for the importance of balance, perspective and empathy in all aspects of life.  

If you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of our life, what would it be?
I adore Italian food and could honestly eat pasta for the rest of my life. Buon Appetito!

What are you grateful for?  
I’m grateful for my two toy Cavoodle puppies, Calippo and Taffy, who became part of our family over the Christmas holidays. They bring so much joy, laughter and mischief into our lives every day!