Staff Spotlight – Candace Robertson

Introducing Head of Department – Languages, Candace Robertson

I have always had a passion for language. It is a privilege to be able to experience and embrace the many traditions and cultures of our community and of the wider world. MLC School is a beautiful community of inclusion and I am excited to have joined the dedicated teachers here at MLC School. Working alongside the diligent and enthusiastic team of Languages teachers is a pleasure. 

Learning a language broadens our students’ horizons. I want our students to understand that there is more than one perspective in the world, and to learn how to respectfully express their opinions, to live and to interact with people of all cultures and experiences – my goal is to build successful, well-rounded and emotionally intelligent people.

Learning a language provides so many important life skills for our girls. It aids literacy skills, memory, communication, critical thinking, interpersonal skills and compassion. I am sure everyone who has ever studied a language remembers the many ‘ah-ha’ moments they experienced in learning something new about their first language too. 

The Languages classroom is a safe space for students to explore concepts of cultural identity and their role as global citizens. Currently a PhD candidate, undertaking the Higher Degree Research programme at UTS, I am looking into the extent to which the foreign language classroom is conducive to teacher observances of student mental health wellbeing concerns, and the implications on both school and classroom practice. It is the intention that understanding of these practices will provide students with an additional means of support.

Studying a language gives our girls a skill for life and I look forward to guiding them on this journey.

– Candace Robertson
Head of Department – Languages