Teacher Feature
Get to know the teachers and staff at Lake Illawarra High School. Interviews conducted by the Student News Team.
Mr Hicks
What is your role or teaching subject at Lake Illawarra High School?
Principal, as well as a trained P.E. teacher.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I always loved sport and wanted to teach kids about sport.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love Richmond Football Club and horse racing.
What do you like most about your job?
Meeting so many wonderful students and teachers.
Mrs O'Malley
What is your role or teaching subject at Lake Illawarra High School?
I am a Science teacher and the Head Teacher of Wellbeing.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I had some wonderful teachers during high school and they inspired me to teach. I find Science fun.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I like to read, walk my dog, go camping. I also like to skydive.
What do you like most about your job?
I really like when students enjoy Science and I like that every day is different.
Mr Barracosa
What is your role or teaching subject at Lake Illawarra High School?
Maths teacher, LIHS basketball coach, and a previous Year Adviser.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I really like helping people and decided that a high school would be a good place to work. I am able to explore areas in Maths and Science, as well as getting involved in sport and a number of other exciting activities within our school.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love sport, particularly basketball, tennis and golf. I also enjoy film making and surfing.
What do you like most about your job?
I like getting to know the students and turning the classroom into a fun and enjoyable place to learn.
Mrs Gorman
What is your role or teaching subject at Lake Illawarra High School?
English teacher
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I had an amazing English teacher in Year 12, who inspired me to read beyond my favourite genres. I felt like I wanted to inspire others to enjoy literature and drama.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Cooking and one day becoming a contestant on the TV show, Survivor.
What do you like most about your job?
Everything! Watching students grow and become confident.
Ms McLoughlin
What is your role or teaching subject at Lake Illawarra High School?
I am an English Teacher and the Year 12 Adviser.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I sort of 'fell' into teaching, but the moment I stood in front of a class I knew this was the job for me.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I have my own art and design business and I love spending time in the ocean.
What do you like most about your job?
I like helping students learn and finding new ways of teaching content.
Mr Shannon
What is your role or teaching subject at Lake Illawarra High School?
I am a Harbour Centre Teacher.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My dad is a teacher and I was inspired by his passion for the job.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love sport, particularly soccer.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy working with the dedicated staff at LIHS and I am excited to undertake the opportunity of year adviser in 2021.
Mr Gillespie
What is your role or teaching subject at Lake Illawarra High School?
I am a Maths teacher, with a Science class, and the Year 10 Adviser.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
The job of a teacher always seemed appealing.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Soccer, and most sports, as well as gardening.
What do you like most about your job?
The students really make the job enjoyable.
Mr Hastedt
What is your role or teaching subject at Lake Illawarra High School?
I am a Science Teacher and teach Junior Science. as well as 11-12 Physics.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I get to help people in my job and mentor young people. I also get to instil knowledge and support students.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love music and play numerous instruments. I also enjoy fishing and spending time with my family.
What do you like most about your job?
I like that while I'm working I am helping people learn and supporting students.
Mr Nairn
What is your role or teaching subject at Lake Illawarra High School?
The LIHS librarian.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Mr Doran, one of my teachers at school, inspired me to become a teacher and I aim to inspire others to do the same.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love Dungeons And Dragons, tennis, table tennis, reading, and computer games.
What do you like most about your job?
I like being able to help students and have a positive impact on other people.
Mrs Hartas
What is your role or teaching subject at Lake Illawarra High School?
PE teacher and sports organiser.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I want to teach young people about the importance of health - like eating healthy, exercising, and mental health.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love sport, especially soccer. I like to exercise and go to the gym. I also like cooking.
What do you like most about your job?
I love seeing my students every day and seeing how much they enjoy my activities.