MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
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My work in education is driven by the hope of raising a generation of young people who, while aware of the national drumbeat of academic competition, will choose to dance to the anticipation, creativity and exhilaration that comes with authentic learning.
Three key focus areas have defined my career. These include building cohesive and high-performing teams capable of executing strategically, leading improvement in all areas of school, and growing cultures that imagine the extraordinary in creativity, excellence, and innovation.
I have been very fortunate to work with and lead some exceptional teams. We have dived deeply into innovative models of learning that have resulted in extraordinary outcomes for young people. One of the highlights for me was that I was identified among other innovative educators from across the Commonwealth and invited to attend the 90th Birthday celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle in England.
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My hope of designing schools that put students in the centre of learning took off when I established the 'DNA21 Project' – a whole-school, future-focused, research-based Kindergarten through Year 12 pedagogical framework. I was a Principal at the time, and our school was one of four nationwide invited as an exemplar school showcased at Melbourne's Australian Institute of Teaching & School Leadership (AITSL) National Congress.
In addition to my time as an educational leader, I have also been a consultant working with schools here and overseas. I was fortunate to be invited to be an Adjunct Lecturer with the University of Tasmania in future schooling. I served as a Faculty of Lifelong Learning and Educational Change member at Western Sydney University.
I studied to become an educator in Design, graduating with Distinction, have completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and am now undertaking a Doctor of Global Leadership (DGL) through Fuller Theological Seminary in the United States. I have studied through the Australian College of Theology and recently completed my accreditation in The Five Behaviours approach to team cohesion and health.
I have had considerable governance experience as an elected Board member of the Association of Independent Schools (AIS), Chair of the Education Committee (AIS), Branch Chair of Learning Environments Australia, and an invitation to join the Ministerial Panel into Teacher Quality to the NSW Teachers’ Institute.
“I love what I get to do – there is nothing more rewarding than walking the path with young people to help them see how powerful they can be as learners. ”
Chris Sanders
In some ways, I always knew I was going to be a teacher. I had a wonderful experience in junior school and was lucky enough to see some very talented and creative people pouring themselves and their personality into their work. Seeing their joy in their work was something that I wanted for myself.
After completing my degree, I taught in a complex area of Western Sydney where tough days and complicated students forced me to work hard at my teaching craft. While at the time I couldn’t see it, these first few years taught me more about strong pedagogy, student relationships and the holistic nature of teaching than my four years at university.
Since then, I have taught in different areas of Sydney, completed a Master of Educational Leadership and Management, and held a number of senior leadership positions. While I enjoyed these, I always wanted to be closer to the heart of the school – the classrooms.
In 2021, while living in the city, I was looking for a change and the opportunity came up to join the Blue Mountains Grammar School team. The Director of Pedagogy and Innovation job, on paper, looked like my dream role. In reality, it has been even better. After being here for two years, I am excited by the ever-expanding ways I can contribute to the BMGS story, particularly incubating the Odyssey project.
I am grateful that my day-to-day work has not taken me away from the original reason I got into teaching - lighting up young people’s minds in the way it was done for me.
Sandie Naumann
My journey to education took a unique path as I spent over 15 years as a chemical engineer before transitioning into the world of teaching in 2021, when I completed my Masters in Teaching (Secondary).
My diverse background in engineering has equipped me with valuable skills, particularly in project management and planning, which I bring to the forefront of the Project Based Learning setting. As a teacher specialsing in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Studies, I aim to inspire a new generation of thinkers and problem solvers.
One of my core beliefs is the value of a student’s own voice and personal growth. In my classroom, I prioritise guiding students rather than leading them, fostering an environment where they can flourish and develop their unique talents and perspectives. My journey in education continues to be a fulfilling one, driven by a deep passion for equipping young minds with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a dynamic world.
I have enjoyed the challenge, strategic thinking and wrestling with possibilities as the Year 7 Odyssey Team Leader.
Isabelle Coote
Growing up, I was immersed in conversations about schools, learning, the future, and how exceptional young people can be if adults only trusted them with their learning. I knew that, at some point, teaching would be my chosen profession. Before becoming an educator, I worked primarily in the Performing Arts Industry. After graduating from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), I was uniquely positioned to work on an extensive array of projects, including collaborations with Opera Australia, Triple J, Channel 7, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS), NIDA, and Redlands (SCEGGS). These collaborations have proved fruitful in building my love for storytelling. Storytelling is a fundamental and universal medium for human connection, understanding, and learning. It enables sharing experiences, values, and knowledge across generations, fostering a sense of community, continuity, and understanding of the world around us.
Learning is in itself a story for each child. I wanted to take my love of story and use it to alter how students see themselves as learners. My core belief is centred around fostering an education for young people that seeks to honour their unique qualities and grow them as adventurous, fearless and robust learners. After graduating from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) with a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Arts, where I majored in Theatre and Performance Studies and completed an extended minor in History. I look forward to joining the Year 7 Odyssey team in 2024 and stepping towards a forward-thinking approach to learning that acknowledges each journey our students are on while fostering and influencing their personal narratives.
