Meet Ms Xu

What is your role at Fort Street?

I am a classroom teacher in the Social Science and English Faculty. I’ve taught English, Legal Studies, Commerce, Geography and Business Studies. I was the Year 12 Adviser for the graduating year 12 cohort of 2022. I am also the Teachers Federation Representative. I’ve also worked as a part of our learning support team.

What do you love about your role?

I love being in the classroom and interacting with Fortians. They are an intriguing and compassionate bunch who care personally about social justice and aesthetic experiences through literature. The other aspect I enjoy is our social and diverse staff, who bring a fun and bright outlook to their classrooms.

What other activities are you involved in at Fort St? Eg sport groups, Duke of Ed, drama club etc

Together with Ms Maddox I help out the Student Amnesty Committee and attend Environmental Committee events. I attend Inner City Teachers Association meetings as a Fed Rep and pass on union news to staff. This year we’ve had three strikes which our teachers (permanent, temporary and casual alike) took part in. This represents a big financial commitment for most of us, but we are hopeful that parents will understand why we are doing this. The shortage of teachers is impacting the Inner West more and more. Even a well-resourced school like The Fort (in my time here over the last 10 years or so) has felt its impacts. As a part of the Social Science faculty, I help run the ASX Share Market Game for students. This semester we had 128 students participate. This year we will also have 8 students from year 10 and 11 represent our school in mooting (courtroom simulation) for the UWS Michael Kirby Cup.

What was your favourite subject at school?

English.

What is something people may not know about you?

I made the happy transition from law to teaching a decade ago. During lockdown-online-teaching, when my class is playing quizlet, my two kids 11 and 9 dance behind the camera.

Do you have any pets?

I have two rescue dogs, two quails and four chickens.

Do you think pineapple belongs on a pizza?

Yes, with an abundance of anchovy.