People of Korowa

Louise Blennerhassett, Student Futures Specialist

Meet Louise Blennerhassett, Korowa’s Student Futures Specialist who joined us mid last year. Louise’s role is to support students across Years 7–12 in careers counselling and preparing them for their future world of work.

Having previously worked in Careers at Swinburne Senior Secondary College and Caulfield Grammar School and prior to that, in corporate marketing, Louise brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. When asked why she chose to work in this space, Louise explained, “I wanted to help young people in a way that I felt mattered and I have always valued education.”

When discussing her vision for careers, Louise said, “I am driven to empower students to confidently and curiously explore and manage their own pathways that are aligned with their values and strengths in order to thrive in the future world of work. I am committed to a future where career education is integrated into the K-12 curriculum, students are regularly immersed in industry, understand how to apply transferable employment skills, have access to mentors, know how to network and feel confident to promote their authentic self.”

Passionate about closing the loop between schools and industry, Louise believes the only way someone can determine whether they are suited to and interested in a job or an industry is to experience it through exposure to work experience, industry visits, informational interviews or even listening to a careers-related podcast.

Having grown up opposite Korowa, Louise remembers hearing the music coming from the school – she loved it! Louise’s family has a long association with Korowa as her mother, mother-in-law and two aunts attended Korowa and her sister, Kate Wipfli worked as a teacher in the Junior School for six years.

George Chilianis, Head of Mathematics

George joined Korowa this year as the Head of Mathematics. It was the positive word of mouth from previous colleagues and friends who work at Korowa that attracted him to the role, together with the holistic education the School provides students.

George has a clear vision for Mathematics at Korowa. He wants to deliver a balanced curriculum that will prepare students for their future – one which exposes students meaningfully to all proficiencies that underpin the learning of mathematics, using tasks and activities that are mathematically worthwhile, relevant and challenging, yet accessible for all students. George said, “We want students to see they are capable of learning mathematics and then leave Korowa with the numeracy, mathematics, and data skills to function proficiently in society and have the foundational skills to pursue the career of their choice.”

Prior to becoming a teacher, George was an industrial engineer and it was during this time he learnt that a lot of what we do in our careers is to connect and work with people. He has carried that forward into education and bases his leadership and teaching on connection and relationships. It is people that inspire him, being the best version of themselves and contributing to making our world a better place.

Outside of work George enjoys reading, and watching and supporting sport, including being the assistant coach of his son’s cricket team. He also loves takeaway/movie night at home with his family.

Please join us in welcoming George to the Korowa community.