Meet Ms Truong

What subject do you teach?

I teach English.

Why do you love the subject?

I enjoy the power that reading, writing and speaking has to inspire and manipulate our emotions, behaviours and motivations as humans. I think that if I can teach students to master and appreciate those skills, they will become more resilient, communicative, well-rounded and happier people.

What’s an interesting fact relating to your subject?

One of my favourite poets to teach is T.S. Eliot. Even though I’ve taught his poetry for nearly 10 years, I never realised until last year when I came to the Fort, that his name backwards, minus the S, spells “toilet”.

What was your favourite subject at school?

I was absolutely obsessed with history (still am). I excelled at studying Year 11 and 12 Ancient and Modern History but since I didn’t have the opportunity to go to selective school, I was denied entry into studying History Extension for Year 12 because I was the only student in my cohort who wanted to study that subject.

An interesting fact about yourself:

I was not born in Australia yet my mastery of speaking, reading and writing in the English language as well as my knowledge of Australian history is just as strong as anyone who was born and lived here all of their life.

Do you have any pets?

I have a cat named Tiramisu.

Why did you become a teacher?

Considering the high number of students from non-English backgrounds that attend selective high schools, I wanted to become an English teacher that specialises in Gifted and Talented Education in order to give those students representation in a subject they usually find difficult.

What do you love about being at Fort Street?

I love the diversity at Fort Street; this is the most culturally diverse and accepting selective school I have ever worked at.

Do you think pineapple goes on a pizza?

No, I don’t like dishes that mix sweet and savoury palettes.