I feel blessed to be able to introduce myself as the Head of Campus at the SPCC DALE Waratah.
This role follows nine years as a Learning Support Co-ordinator at SPCC Port Stephens and seven years teaching in a mainstream school in an Alternate Learning Centre for students with behaviour issues. I am passionate about supporting and empowering students who find it difficult to shine in mainstream school settings.
Prior to becoming a teacher, I worked in the Public Sector in Human Resources and Training. I left that career to be a full-time mum raising three young children while running a water sports business with my husband Edward. My children have grown up, each now living in a different State. When we can, my husband and I love spending time with our family, now grown to include our first grandchild.
My studies commenced with a Bachelor of Business degree which I transferred to complete an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts Degree. I added a Post Graduate Diploma of Education when my children were all at school and I returned to the workforce. I am currently studying towards my Masters in Special and Inclusive Education and am embracing the return to study while learning about the exciting progress that is being made in supporting students with diverse learning needs.
My goal is to build on the foundations of a school created to provide a place where all students feel loved and supported. I pray that every DALE student will learn to embrace their God given strengths and feel excited about coming to school each day to grow and explore new opportunities and learning experiences.
I look forward each day to the blessing it is to journey with students, nurturing their spiritual, personal, physical, and academic growth. It is such an exciting time to be at DALE Waratah as the plans unfold for new learning opportunities in a physical environment which is undergoing a time of renewal.
Fiona Searls
Head of Campus
