Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Susan Neilson

1/27 Binbrook Drive Croydon,VIC

Summary

I am a passionate and effective student wellbeing leader, I demonstrate
empathy and build trust, providing meaningful support for all students. I am an active listener, hearing all concerns and pride myself on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment Identifying challenges and developing practical solutions to address them is a core skill for managing wellbeing initiatives.
Inspiring and guiding a team, whether it’s other students, staff, or volunteers, to work towards a common goal.

Organizational Skills: Managing multiple programs, events, and resources requires good organizational abilities to keep everything running smoothly.

Cultural Competence: Being aware of and sensitive to the diverse backgrounds and needs of students to ensure that wellbeing initiatives are inclusive and effective.

Conflict Resolution: Handling conflicts and disputes with tact and fairness to maintain a positive and supportive environment.

Resilience: Maintaining your own well-being while managing the wellbeing of others, and adapting to challenges and changes with a positive attitude.

Innovation: Thinking creatively to develop new programs or approaches that meet the evolving needs of students.

Advocacy: Championing the needs and rights of students, and working to ensure they have access to necessary resources and support.

Collaboration: Working effectively with teachers, parents, and community organizations to create a holistic support system for students.


Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

House Leader - Wellbeing Specialist

Whitefriars College
01.2017 - Current
  • Leading 130 boys (Year 7-12)
  • Liaising with families
  • Academic tracking
  • SEAS applications
  • Attending all Formals, House Masses, Transition interviews, camps
  • Counselling referrals
  • Developing strong relationships with families and the school
  • Member of the College Wellbeing team
  • Active member of the Positive Student Language subcommittee
  • Active member of the Behaviour Management Frameworks committee
  • Active member of the inclusivity statement launch committee

Junior Music Teacher

Presbyterian Ladies College
01.2012 - 01.2017
  • Delivering Music curriculum Prep – year 2
  • Junior School Choral Conductor
  • Co-writing and co-producing Junior Primary Concert

Director of Music

Australian Youth Choir
01.2008 - 01.2013
  • Conductor and teacher of choristers aged 7-14
  • Prepare choristers for concerts
  • Teach choristers sight reading/sight singing
  • Organisation of concerts and events

Junior School Music Coordinator

Preshil School
01.2009 - 01.2011
  • Implementation and development of Cross curricula learning
  • Co-ordination of the Junior Music Program
  • Kindergarten – Year 6 Music Teacher
  • Conductor of School Choir
  • Grade 5 and 6 Drama teacher
  • Organisation of Productions and Soirees

Arts Faculty Co-ordinator Drama/Music teacher

John Paul College
01.2007 - 12.2007
  • Effective management of Arts Faculty
  • Promoting Arts to the local community
  • Teacher of Year 12 Drama and Theatre Studies
  • Production Coordinator
  • School Choir Conductor
  • Budget Management
  • Responsible for Art exhibitions and concerts
  • Music Administration (instrumental program)
  • Leader of The Gifted and Talented Program for Performing Arts

Head of Drama

de Stafford School
01.2004 - 01.2006
  • Effective management of Drama department
  • Behaviour management consultant
  • Management of Drama and Production Budget
  • Production manager for School Concerts and assemblies

Events Administrator

Australian Youth Choir
01.2005 - 10.2005
  • Recruiting choristers from variety of school across Greater London
  • Responsible for press releases for the event
  • Co-ordinating 1000 students during rehearsals and concert
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Liaison with AYC Director of Music
  • Teaching choristers music for performance
  • Involved in stage management for the event

Head of Pre Prep Music

The Harrodian School
01.2003 - 01.2004
  • Implementing Key stage 2 Choir
  • Curriculum development and teaching of KS2 Music/Drama
  • Organised Recitals, concerts and assemblies
  • Wrote, directed and produced Pre Prep Productions
  • Conductor for Pre Prep and Prep choirs

Head of Drama Music Teacher

Vermont Secondary College
01.1999 - 01.2002
  • Year 7 – 12 Drama and Music Teacher
  • Choir Conductor
  • Head of Drama
  • Drama and Production Budgets
  • Wrote Curriculum for Music Department
  • V.C.E
  • Drama teacher
  • Mentor to junior staff

Director of Music

Australian Youth Choir
01.1996 - 01.1999
  • Director of 150 Choristers and 2 staff members
  • Teaching the Kodaly method of singing
  • Preparing choristers for concerts
  • Staff member at residential Music Schools

Education

Master of Education, Student Wellbeing - Wellbeing

University of Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC
07.2023

Graduate Diploma of Education -

Australian Catholic University, Melbourne
10.1998

Bachelor of Music/Drama -

Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music, Melbourne
10.1997

Skills

  • Wellbeing curriculum development
  • Extensive knowledge of Child Safety Standards
  • Leading House Assemblies
  • Supporting the transition of new students
  • Provide support for teaching staff and promote their involvement in classroom management/pastoral care issues
  • Responsible for the overall academic counselling and data tracking of all students in Soreth House
  • Managing and mentoring staff
  • Liaising with community groups
  • Mentoring students
  • Communicating with families with a wellbeing focus
  • Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
  • SEAS applications
  • Counselling referrals
  • An active member of the wellbeing team
  • Liaising with outside agencies (The Orange Door, Police Community Liaison Officer, external psychologists, DHHS)

References

  • Mr Michael Lafferty, Deputy Principal- Students, Whitefriars College, 9872 8200, mlafferty@whitefriars.vic.edu.au
  • Mr Joshua Vujcich, Deputy Principal – Faith and Mission, 9872 8200, jvujcich@whitefriars.vic.edu.au

Timeline

House Leader - Wellbeing Specialist

Whitefriars College
01.2017 - Current

Junior Music Teacher

Presbyterian Ladies College
01.2012 - 01.2017

Junior School Music Coordinator

Preshil School
01.2009 - 01.2011

Director of Music

Australian Youth Choir
01.2008 - 01.2013

Arts Faculty Co-ordinator Drama/Music teacher

John Paul College
01.2007 - 12.2007

Events Administrator

Australian Youth Choir
01.2005 - 10.2005

Head of Drama

de Stafford School
01.2004 - 01.2006

Head of Pre Prep Music

The Harrodian School
01.2003 - 01.2004

Head of Drama Music Teacher

Vermont Secondary College
01.1999 - 01.2002

Director of Music

Australian Youth Choir
01.1996 - 01.1999

Master of Education, Student Wellbeing - Wellbeing

University of Melbourne

Graduate Diploma of Education -

Australian Catholic University, Melbourne

Bachelor of Music/Drama -

Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music, Melbourne
Susan Neilson