Hi! My name is Mrs Rachel Thompson and I teach Junior School PDHPE for Stage 2 and Stage 3.
I have been teaching since 2014. Prior to this I worked in the childcare industry while I studied Primary Teaching at the University of Western Sydney.
I moved to the Illawarra last year and I absolutely love it! It has a similar surf-life, carefree culture to where I grew up – I love the sun, the surf and I love a good sea storm.
I am excited for the continued growth, innovation and development of Shellharbour Anglican College as it continues to expand. I am most eager to see young students and youth within the College thrive in their own health and wellbeing. It is my desire to support and encourage every individual to maintain a positive perspective on life, of themselves, and of Faith – where Christ is willingly glorified of their own accord and all are loved and accepted.
Let me tell you a little story…
Once I was a young, short (still applicable), beautiful (also still applicable) teenage girl. At the age of 14, my family and I (including our Golden Retriever, Roxy) ventured onto a huge plane and moved to the United States of America. We lived in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was an incredible experience. We travelled many parts of the country, joined a [HUGE] Church. I enrolled into a Christian School for “Freshman Year”, became a cheerleader and performed in a selective, elite state Choir (like a stiff ‘Pitch Perfect’ but without the dance). I played crazy characters in several school musicals (like a hyped ‘High School Musical’ without the Zac Efron), joined the “JV” (Junior Varsity) soccer team – which was only for those who earned outstanding academic grades. I received my drivers licence at the age of 15 and drove a vibrant red Mustang with two white stripes down the middle (in the icy, slippery snow), all meanwhile my friends would ask if I rode Kangaroos to school back in Australia. What a cultural, social and emotional learning experience!
No need to move to another country to learn or accomplish your dream goals…
I love being a PDHPE teacher. The creativity, the proactive strategies and practical activities that are associated with teaching PDHPE and Health; these aren’t just NSW Syllabus content requirements, these are intrapersonal life-long skills, designed to make us better humans – socially, emotionally, culturally and personally. I am passionate about enhancing student (and teacher) wellbeing. There is something special about seeing others thrive in their strengths, feeling unconditionally supported to excel in their personal goals and individual pursuits.
One of the most rewarding aspects about teaching is seeing a student [consistently] apply what they learn, and grasp a passionate love for learning. More so, a student who loves and cares for their self or who gently loves, serves and cares for another student, is one of the most beautiful things I’ll ever get to witness – and I love teaching and spurring on our younger generations to do this.
You never know what God’s got install for you… Personally, I am looking forward to a fresh routine full of healthy habits and a productive achievement of goals for myself and my family this year.