Introducing Katherine Ziebell, Year 10 Co-ordinator

Term 2 has begun with more than 40 of our Year 10 and 11 students setting off to North Queensland to participate in the 21-day Zero experience.

In 2024, we look forward to Zero being a core element of the Year 10 Program. Integral to Zero 2023 has been the contributions of our new Year 10 Co-ordinator, Ms Katherine Ziebell. I sat down with Katherine and asked her a few questions to hear more about her and engagement with this important leadership role in the Senior School.

What drew you to the role of a Year 10 Co-ordinator at Carey?

Throughout my time in education, I’ve always had a particular passion for teaching Year 10. I think that developmentally, students are at a bit of a ‘sweet spot’ in their learning: they are developing independence and an individual voice, but the stakes in their learning have not reached the intensity that so often comes with the final year or two of schooling. This means they can think critically, challenge themselves and, most importantly, still have fun in their learning.

The role of Year 10 Co-ordinator seemed to represent the possibility of making the most of this wonderful age and stage – I loved the challenge of seeing how far I could take the Year 10s in terms of creativity, culture and collaboration.

What have you most enjoyed about the role so far?

I’ve loved the challenge. Stepping into an executive role has meant learning to juggle different balls at different times. I love getting to know the students as a whole year level whilst also case managing and helping individual students meet their goals. It’s been fantastic to work with different teams of teachers and learn from the collective expertise of teams such as the Heads of House and Leaders of Learning.

What has impressed you about our Year 10s?

Their camaraderie. It’s clear that they feel a really strong sense of belonging and connection within their different peer groups and again, more broadly within the cohort. I’ve also been impressed by their willingness to connect with staff, not only myself but their classroom teachers. It’s always such a joy when a student strikes up a conversation or gives you a wave to say good morning in the corridor – a good reminder for all of us!

What is something that we don't know about you?

I have three passports! Canadian, American and we’ll see if anyone can guess the third!

If you had the opportunity to share a message with your Year 10 self, what would it be?

Don’t give up on languages! I really wish I’d kept on with my French at school. So often adults tell teenagers that they wish they’d learnt another language, but language acquisition can be really hard! I wish I could tell my Year 10 self how much she’d love travelling and adventure and how much more gratifying this would be with language on board. It’s a brilliant way to connect with people all over the world and opens so many doors.

Kellie Lyneham
Head of Senior School

Feature image: Katherine and her husband, Tom, Head of Carey Zero, in Paris