A wonderfully full circle for Amber

Research says that those who grow up in the country are those most likely to want to work there in the future.

The 2016 Wee Waa High School dux and vice captain – Amber Conomos – is the perfect case in point.

Last year, Ms Conomos chose to complete her final practicum during term four at Wee Waa High School.

This would be the last crucial step in completing her Masters of Teaching. So embraced by students was she that the relieving principal Jacki Neil offered her a contract for term one, 2023 in the human society and its environment (HSIE) faculty.

“Ms Conomos is a natural teacher,” said Mrs Neil.

“She has a wonderful way with students and is dedicated to their learning and development.

“So when a permanent role recently became available, we were quick to offer her the opportunity.”

Ms Conomos added, “It was the perfect chance to fast track my teaching career and too good an opportunity to let go.

“Finding a permanent role as a recent teaching graduate is not easy, particularly in larger centres and metropolitan areas.

“I would have been crazy to pass-up such a wonderful chance.

“The other great thing about small schools is that you can often progress your professional development as a teacher and seize career opportunities sooner than in a large metropolitan school.

“I feel like the opportunity to teach at Wee Waa High School allows me to super charge my career.

“I taught casually at a large metropolitan school in the later stages of my teaching degree in Sydney.

“I found that it was easy to have the sense of being lost in the crowd as it was one of the largest high schools in NSW.

“Now at WWHS, I’m seen, I’m known and I feel valued.

“I have a strong sense of connection and belonging.

“You could say that this is just because I grew up here, but it’s much more than that.

“WWHS is a very welcoming school community, it really does stand out.”

Although it has been several years since Ms Conomos graduated, there are still a couple of familiar faces here including Steve Catt, Kim Burgess and Stephenie Blewitt and Ms Neil.

“All wonderful teachers,” Ms Conomos said.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about the legacy I’d like to create and how

I’d like to be remembered in the future.

“The hallmarks of what I hope will be a long and rewarding teaching career will be that I ignited students’ curiosity and helped build their confidence to explore the many opportunities the world has to offer … daring to be brave and discover what these might be.

“The other is kindness and to be remembered as being passionate about my subject.

“I’d like to be thought of as a teacher who took the time to care about students as individuals.

“These legacy aspirations will be what guides me as a teacher.”

Ms Neil said Ms Conomos was remembered for being a dedicated student who contributed a lot to the school community.

“It’s these qualities that make us so pleased to be welcoming her on board as a permanent teacher.”