Teacher / Staff Q and A

Martin Gibbs, Director of Students — Middle Years

Can you give us a brief description of your position? 

I look after the Year 5 — 8 Tiverton campus at De La Salle which involves leading our amazing Primary School, helping Year 7 and 8 students transition to the Holy Eucharist campus, and try and get enrolments each year, so lots of school tours and enrolment interviews which I love! 

How long have you taught at De La Salle? 

18 months (one and a half years).

Can you tell us something special about teaching at De La Salle?

I love walking into my Year 12 Economics and Legal Studies classes every day. The students are motivated, with a great work ethic and we have lots of laughs and seriously bad dad jokes along the way. 

Who is someone you admire and why?

I admire anyone who has a strong work ethic, who is positive and not negative, who really listens and takes the time to really talk to people, and who sees the good in people and their strengths rather than weaknesses. We can all aspire to this …. The whole student wellbeing team are good people like this!

Do you have any pets? Can you share a picture? 

I have a six month old puppy called Lenny. He has been a life saver during lockdown. Lots of walks and lots of fun. 

As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be Michael Jordan but then I realised I was a skinny white boy from Doncaster who couldn’t jump. Missed it by *this* much…

Which is your House and who do you support in the AFL?

I am a blue boy through and through – Leo’s and Carlton. Go blues!

Rana Brogan, Deputy Principal – Faith and Mission

Can you give us a brief description of your position?

The Deputy Principal — Faith and Mission is responsible for the Lasallian and Faith Formation of staff and students, overseeing the liturgical life of the College and supporting the goals of the College in the areas of Education, Spirituality, Student Wellbeing, Community and Social Justice.

How long have you taught at De La Salle?

Five Years.

Can you tell us something special about teaching at De La Salle?

A tremendous sense of community and care among the staff and students. The sense of what it means to be Lasallian and care for others resonates through the community. There is a genuine concern for “the other” and wanting to make a difference. 

Who is someone you admire and why?

My grandmother. She had 11 children and worked hard to raise them as best she could. Her parents (my great grandparents), couldn’t afford to put her through school so she did what she could to teach herself. I knew she was a smart lady from the conversations we used to have when she was alive, but she just never had the opportunities given to her. 

Do you have any pets? Can you share a picture?

I have two Golden Retrievers, Biskit and Colby. 

As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wasn’t exactly sure. But I knew I wanted to help, or work with people, or animals, or paint. But my mum always told me I was going to be a teacher. Which is weird, because that is how things turned out and I love it! 

Which is your House and who do you support in the AFL?

Edwin’s House. And I am categorically and unapologetically a Carlton supporter!

David Alexander, Head of Campus – Holy Eucharist

Can you give us a brief description of your position?

I oversee the operation of the Year 9 Campus. My job description is vast. On any given day I can wear a number of hats: my student welfare hat, my daily organisation hat, my staff operations hat, my community liaison hat, my Discovery Teacher hat or even my ‘unblocking a toilet’ hat.

How long have you taught at De La Salle?

I have been at De La Salle since 2007, 14 years.

Can you tell us something special about teaching at De La Salle?

Over the journey, working at De La Salle has allowed me to work with some great people. I have learnt a lot from these people. Our students are extremely lucky to be educated by these teachers. Many only realise this when they leave the College.

Who is someone you admire and why?

I admire my wife. She has unparalleled patience having to deal with me and our two sons Billy (6) and Lenny (3).

As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

An Architect.

Which is your House and who do you support in the AFL?

I am a proud Edwinner and an even prouder Richmond supporter.

Back to The Duce Issue 2020 05 - 14 May 2020