Values in Action – Meet Laura

Our ‘Values in Action’ series shines a light on how our Caulfield Grammar School employees live our School values. 

Laura Wong, English & Dance Teacher at Caulfield Campus, shares how she is promoting wellbeing and positive outcomes in her classroom by Thriving Together.  

I am a registered Dance Movement Therapist and before my teaching career I worked in this space with a focus on neurological rehabilitation, disability and mental health. I think all teachers bring a part of themselves and their various life experiences into the classroom and I feel excited that I can share my background in dance and movement therapy. Sometimes this is as simple as reminding students to take a deep breath, but I’ve also been known to lead a little relaxation activity here and there.

Dance Movement Therapy places a lot of value on ‘holding space’ – which is about being present and listening without judgement. In teaching, I think so much of this is showing up for your students authentically and meeting them wherever they are on the learning journey, or in themselves, on a given day. The next step is teaching them how to show up for each other, which has been pivotal in the past 18 months.  

What I love about teaching is the potential for every student to become all that they can be and the opportunities that supportive and excellent education provide. As an educator, it’s my goal to always be a safe place for students to express their needs and struggles, and to celebrate their wins. I love coming to work and seeing amazing growth in my students – and I relish the opportunity to guide them in becoming capable, resilient and courageous global citizens. 

At the end of the day, my ambition is to be there for my students and help them be there for each other – to me that’s thriving together.  

Caufield Grammar School is a values-led school. Our five School values guide the way we work together and behave. Active interaction with these values supports our students and staff in having clarity and ownership about what it means to be a member of the Caulfield Grammar School community – how we treat each other, and what we expect from each other.