Getting to know you: Meet Michael Tran

Blackfriars is delighted to welcome a number of new staff members in 2023. We look forward to getting to know them – and here’s a head start.

Name: Michael Tran

What are you teaching in 2023? In 2023, I will be teaching Year 7 Maths and Science, Year 10 Maths and Year 11 Maths Methods and Specialist Maths.

Where are you joining us from? I was a “Blackfriars boy” from 2012-2016. I went on to study Mathematics at the University of Adelaide before completing my studies as a teacher at Flinders University. This will be my first experience as a teacher and I am extremely privileged that I have the opportunity to return to Blackfriars.

What do you hope to bring to Blackfriars? I hope to bring to Blackfriars a holistic approach to education that will prepare students to be life-long learners. I would like to continue my student-centred approach to education, since students bring plenty of their own experiences and ideas to the classroom that will enrich the learning for all. I believe that positive relationships between teachers and students is the foundation from which education can truly be transformative. Rita Pierson suggests that, “Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” I hope to be that champion to the students of Blackfriars.

What’s the best thing about teaching? The students! It is a joy to participate with the students in their journey to discover more about themselves and be their best selves. Simultaneously, it is a privilege for me to work and share with students the many challenges which they must confront head on. The celebration of each student’s achievements and successes as well as being there to support and encourage students when things do not necessarily go according to plan are moments which make teaching worthwhile. I am also very appreciative that students are able to teach me a lot so I can become somewhat fluent in their world such as their ever growing generational lingo, the latest trends, how to use social media … plenty for me to still learn from the students.

What’s your favourite song and why? A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay. It is a song that you can listen to on repeat and it gets better every time.

Your favourite movie? My favourite movie(s) would have to be The Lord of the Rings trilogy since I really enjoy fantasy narratives and the themes present in the films.

What would we typically find in your lunchbox? Leftovers from last night, with a piece of fruit.