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People of Korowa

People ofKorowa

Karlie Stocker, Head of Senior School

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Education has always been at the core of Karlie Stocker’s life and career. As a Korovian, Karlie graduated in 2004, returning just six years later to join the Physical Education Department at Korowa as a PE teacher, after completing her Bachelor of Physical Education at university. Karlie will celebrate 11 years of working at Korowa in 2021, and her newly appointed title of Head of Senior School, is a testament to her leadership and focus on the wellbeing and academic care of students. Her contribution as part of the team tasked with reviewing the Wellbeing Program at Korowa was invaluable and aided in creating a comprehensive whole school curriculum that addressed key areas. What Karlie has found most pleasing about this important program is how it continues to evolve, as staff constantly consider new ways to meet the needs of our students – now and in the future. “Throughout my journey as a teacher, seeing young people find their purpose and develop their own identity is what continues to make my job worthwhile. Knowing you might be a part of that, no matter how big or small, is a very special thing.” Cementing Korowa’s place as a school that cherishes its community, Karlie is a wonderful example of not only past and present students and families having a sense of belonging, but also its staff members. “A school is only as good as its people, and I am very fortunate to be surrounded by good people every day; whether that be our students, staff or the broader members of the Korowa community.”

Jo Nanfra, Head of Food Studies

The science and nutrition of food and its intrinsic connection to holistic health and community is something Jo Nanfra is passionate about. As our Head of Food Studies, Jo affirms that teaching fits in with every aspect of her life, as her ardent ability to share a love of food with young people is something that comes naturally. With two Bachelor degrees, one in Applied Science (majoring in Food Science, Health & Nutrition) and the other in Education, Jo has married these tertiary skills with the practical skills of working in the food industry, where she held a number of managerial roles. However, it was her volunteer work with at-risk youth that proved the most valuable. “It helped me to understand that these young people came from diverse backgrounds; some that didn’t always support their social, mental and intellectual growth. Having this understanding was important to be able to connect with them… Being kind, supportive and approachable to young people was something I really wanted to be.” Inspired by the subject of ‘where food comes from’ and the ethical and environmental issues surrounding this, Jo is also inspired by how food connects us as a society, stating it is a crucial part of the way that we interact and socialise with people, how we celebrate and how we show love. Currently completing her 200-hour yoga teacher training course, Jo hopes to encourage her students to be more peaceful and mindful, helping to support their mental and spiritual health and wellbeing. “The girls at Korowa are delightful, kind, thoughtful and dedicated. They allow me to teach them, and I hope to share strategies with students that make this world easier and calmer to navigate through.”

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