Sarndra Street is the Maths Specialist in our Primary School and is a Flinders Distinguished Teacher. Sarndra has been coaching staff to embrace best practice as a pedagogical coach for a number of years and her depth of understanding and love of Mathematics is contagious. Sarndra ensures the Ready For... Application students are engaged in challenging tasks, which stretch them to think deeply and apply logical reasoning, all whilst furthering their love of all things Mathematics.
We share this Q&A to better understand Sarndra's role, what drives her as a teacher and what she loves about living on the Sunshine Coast.
1. Through your role as Maths Specialist Teacher, how do you intend to support and guide our Primary School students at Flinders and the College community?
Relationships are critical to learning, achievement and motivation. It is through the development of meaningful relationships that I feel I can positively influence students and the College community. Engaging students and guiding them to become resilient, independent and self-motivated learners is also key to my role.
2. What are you looking forward to about your new role?
I have been in the Maths Specialist role for 18 months and have loved the opportunity to connect with a wide range of students and staff across the Primary School. I really enjoy providing opportunities for students (and staff!) to jump into the learning pit and to challenge themselves in a way that pushes them out of their comfort zone.
3. Please share your background story.
Originally a Kiwi, I now call Australia home and have done so for the past 30 years. I lived in Darwin and Perth before settling on the Sunshine Coast 25 years ago. I have two adult daughters, one who lives in Victoria and the other in South Australia.
4. What roles have you previously worked in and what have you enjoyed about your career to date?
In my 'past life', I worked in the travel industry and explored many interesting countries as part of my job. I discovered my passion for all things teaching and learning after I volunteered in a local kindergarten when my children were young. This led to me becoming a teacher assistant, and then a teacher - the rest is history! I have worked at Matthew Flinders in a variety of roles for the past 15 years. I am passionate about curriculum, contemporary pedagogy and engaging students as partners in learning.
5. What do you enjoy about living on the Sunshine Coast?
I love the beach, the weather and the wonderful cafe culture we are developing here.
6. What do you enjoy about working in a school community?
The school community is like an extended family and the classroom develops its own sense of community. There is such a strong sense of purpose and belonging uniting students, staff and families. I love the energy and excitement that the school environment fosters.
7. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The power of thought can be your greatest enemy...or your greatest ally. You choose - you are in control!
8. Who gave you the advice and how has it helped you to grow as a person?
I took this valuable advice from reading Unlimited Power by Anthony Robbins quite a few years ago. It changed my outlook on life and made me a much more positive person!
To meet more of our staff team, visit our News page and search 'Profiles'.
