Dayna Schinz (OH 2007) is a proud Haileybury alumni. She was the inaugural Haileybury Girls School Captain, and since graduating has spent 12 years teaching Maths, Science and Biology, most recently at Haileybury Pangea, where she teaches Senior School Science and VCE Biology alongside her role as Haileybury Digital Learning Leader. 

What inspired you to become a teacher? 

As a student, I cherished my time at school and adored the opportunity to ignite curiosity and nurture the same love for learning, especially in science, that I experienced throughout my education. I love the chance to create a positive and supportive classroom environment, where students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential. 

Can you describe what the role of Digital Learning Leader is? 

As a Digital Learning Leader at Haileybury, we provide educational leadership to enhance the use of technology in teaching and learning. This includes supporting teachers with technological tools such as Office 365 and our Canvas LMS, while fostering a collaborative online environment across the school community. 

How do you create an engaging and inclusive classroom environment? 

I always aim to create a sense of belonging where every student feels valued and included. I am a warm and approachable person, and building strong relationships with students helps make them feel more connected and motivated, especially in my online classes. As much as possible, I try to engage students in active learning by using hands-on activities and practical experiments where students can experience the scientific theory being taught firsthand. As a Digital Learning Leader, I also enjoy integrating the latest technology to enhance student learning and make lessons more dynamic and accessible. 

Can you share a memorable moment from your teaching career?  

One of my most treasured memories was the opportunity to take a small group of Haileybury Science students to the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador, South America. This experience was the pinnacle of my career as a biology teacher, allowing my colleagues and I to travel with like-minded students to one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The Galapagos Islands played a crucial role in Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection and provided a real-world context to the study of evolution taught in Year 10 Science and VCE Biology. Our stay with a remote host community in the Amazon Rainforest, only accessible via canoe, was a life-changing experience for both staff and students. 

What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher for you? 

The joy of witnessing students’ development, both academically and personally, is unparalleled. As an old girl, knowing the school’s values and culture, I am so grateful to contribute to Haileybury’s legacy. It is so deeply fulfilling and rewarding to play a part in the growth and success of our incredible students. 

What advice would you give to new or aspiring teachers? 

A crucial piece of advice would be to build relationships with your students and colleagues, to not only create a supportive classroom but also a supportive working environment. As a teacher, it is also important to be firm but fair. To achieve this, you must establish clear expectations and boundaries with your students from the beginning and consistently reinforce them. This advice also comes in handy as a mother of a toddler! 

How do you spend your time away from the classroom? 

I live in a small town on the Mornington Peninsula and enjoy the lifestyle that the region offers. I love spending time outdoors and at the beach with my two and a half-year-old son who keeps me very busy. I am so grateful to be able to teach online at Haileybury Pangea and the flexibility it affords me to blend my professional and family life.