Five minutes with Mrs Jane Smith

Since the day in 2016 when Mrs Jane Smith set foot on the Radford College campus, she has been an advocate for student well-being and often spends her lunch breaks in meetings with students, discussing ways of making positive changes to their experience of life at the College. Being an English Teacher, she loves sharing her love of the written word – in particular Shakespeare – and is always perusing bookshops for something interesting to read and share with her students. Mrs Smith is a much-valued member of staff who works closely with the Heads of Year, Counselling Team and Chaplains at the College, who will all tell you, her door is always open.

How long have you been part of the Radford College community, and what roles or responsibilities have you held during your time here?

I joined Radford in July 2016. I’ve been privileged to work as an English, Aspire, Study Skills and Skills Plus Teacher, and to hold the roles of Head of Academic Enrichment, Head of Transition, and now, the role of as Assistant Principal - Student Engagement.

What initially brought you to Radford?

Originally from Canberra, I lived in Sydney and worked at St Catherine’s School in Waverley, NSW as Head of Year and English Teacher for ten years. My husband and I wanted to return to Canberra to raise our young children closer to family, nature and wide-open spaces. Drawn to the positive and inclusive culture of Radford, when a position became available, we used this as our springboard to return to the Territory.

What’s a day in the life of the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement like?

My days are rich and varied and always start with a good cup of coffee! I work closely with the Heads of Year, Counselling Team and Chaplains to support the engagement and well-being of our students. I regularly attend meetings with other members of the Senior Leadership Team and other colleagues across the College, such as the Child Protection Committee. I also regularly attend meetings with colleagues from other schools in relation to strategy around well-being. At lunchtime you can usually find me in a meeting with students such as the Prefect Student Leadership Team or talking to students about their ideas to contribute to positive change at the College. I particularly love the days when I have my Year 12 English Tertiary Class scheduled.

You also teach English. Did you always want to be a teacher?

When I was at school I had thought about pursuing a career in journalism or working at a museum or art gallery. After school I went on a gap year and worked at a school in North Devon in England. I found working with young people rewarding and something that I had skills in. I then studied a double degree in English Literature and History and Visual Art at the ANU and it wasn’t until I finished my degree that I decided that I would take up teaching. I went to UC to study a Diploma of Education.

Do you have a favourite book or piece of literature that’s inspires how you teach English?

I have always enjoyed teaching Shakespeare. I try to help our students see the wonder of wordplay and wit and encourage them to reflect on Shakespeare’s examination of human nature. I read widely and like to bring in new texts for my students where I can. I’m looking forward to teaching the novel James by Percival Everett in Semester 2. It is a powerful retelling of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the slave, Jim.

What do you find most rewarding about your role as a Teacher and Assistant Principal - Student Engagement?

I find working with young people energising, I have an appreciation for their sense of humour and their unique perspectives on the world around them. Our fundamental purpose as teachers is to shape the leaders of tomorrow and give them the skills and confidence to face challenges as they navigate life beyond the College. As an educator it is an honour to support our students' learning, character growth and the development of their sense of self.

What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of Radford?

Outside of Radford I enjoy spending time with family and friends, travelling, the pleasure of cooking at home or eating out at restaurants, bushwalking, reading, swimming and trying to see as many live performances as possible, whether it be music or drama. I particularly love seeing live music at the Opera House in Sydney.

Finish this sentence: People would be surprised to know . . .

My family and I live with a Red Heeler called Alfie, I’m an identical twin and my husband is a silversmith.