Felicity Donohue – Co-ordinator of Gifted & Talented (K-6)

Each month, we find out more about a nominated staff member. 

SPOTLIGHT ON … FELICITY DONOHUE

What is your role at Emanuel School?
Co-ordinator of Gifted and Talented (K-6)

What roles have you held before that you enjoyed/ led you to this point?
Prior to commencing at Emanuel, I was the Deputy Head of Primary at Aitken College in Greenvale, Victoria. I also spent 5 years living in Hong Kong and was the Head of English (Primary) at The Independent Schools Foundation Academy in Pokfulam. Before I found my passion for teaching, I worked with Woolworths as a Senior Marketing Coordinator across a few of their businesses. 

What inspired you to become a teacher?
I’ve always loved working with children. I spent most of my teenage years babysitting and coaching dance teams and I found it to be so rewarding. I was looking for a change of career and thought I’d give teaching a try and I’ve never looked back. I love my job!

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Is there a lesson/s that a student taught you in the past you feel you have carried forward/ currently apply in your teaching or every day life?
Every student teaches me something. I feel privileged to work with so many inspiring students. 

I spent a few weeks working at a small rural school in Cambodia and it was so rewarding to teach alongside passionate teachers and enthusiastic students who had a love of learning and came to school each day with such positivity. It’s an experience I keep close to my heart. It taught me the role of education as a social leveller. 

Do you have a favourite memory from teaching?
I have so many memories from my teaching experiences, it’s hard to pick one! A recent memory was when students returned to school from our first extended lockdown and the excitement everyone felt to be able to reconnect with one another. It really emphasised the power of community and how important those simple everyday interactions are to our wellbeing.

What are your impressions of Emanuel School thus far?
I absolutely love it here! The Emanuel School community has been so welcoming and supportive. I have never felt more welcomed than I have commencing this year. It truly is a wonderful school.

What do you do to unwind/ what do you enjoy doing outside school hours?
I have two cuddly little Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Sadie and Otto, who love going on walks in Centennial Park so they keep me busy outside of school. I also chose to move to Sydney to be closer to my family so I’ve been spending lots of time with my nieces and nephew and going out on lots of ‘aunty days’ with them.

What song do you know all the lyrics to?
Too many to list! But my favourite karaoke songs are:

• Don’t stop me now – Queen
• Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars
• 4eva – The Veronicas
• Any big Broadway power ballad!

Do you have a hidden talent and, if so, what is it?
I used to be fluent in French. Not so much anymore, you definitely either use it or lose it. But I hope to get back to France someday to brush up on my skills. 

What do you wish you could tell your 12- year -old self?
Embrace your strengths and let them shine. It doesn’t matter what others think. You do you.

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

• Always try. Don’t regret the chances you didn’t take. 
• And never rub your eyes after cutting chilli.