Spotlight on Macquarie University alumni Ruth White
Hear from Ruth White, Deputy Principal of Pymble Public School on her favourite part of her role and experience of returning to study.
Spotlight on Macquarie University alumni Ruth White
What is your current job, and was this always your career objective?
I am the Deputy Principal of Pymble Public School in the northern suburbs of Sydney. I`ve enjoyed teaching at a range of different schools over the last 25 years or so. When I started, I worked in places where it was hard for schools to find teachers, like in parts of Adelaide and my home town of Broken Hill in the Far West of New South Wales. They were very different places to Pymble but, when I think back, it was an enormously valuable experience.
I didn`t leave school planning to be a deputy principal or principal. I wanted to be a teacher. My leadership roles have been something I`ve grown into through my career. Along the way, I was lucky enough to have people who gave me the opportunities to lead and to develop as a teacher and a leader.
What might a typical day involve?
My role is a varied one, with lots of different activities throughout the day. There is the day-to-day running of the school: managing student welfare incidents, mentoring and developing our staff, leading curriculum and learning across the school, and completing all the administration that needs to be done. Sometimes I’m a manager, but I’m also a nurse, negotiator, adviser and counsellor.
What is your favourite thing about your job/career and why?
Easy – I’m a teacher and I love working with students and helping other teachers to develop. For me, making a positive impact on a young child’s life is immensely rewarding. Whether this is by working with the children or working to develop our staff, making a difference to a child’s day is the best thing about my job.
What did you study/are you studying at Macquarie University?
I am currently doing my Master of Educational Leadership. I was not really sure if I was going to be able to get into studying after so many years away from university, so I started out doing a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership, which was a great way to get back into the academic process.
What was the favourite thing about your degree (or major area of study), and what was the most valuable thing your university experience taught you?
I`ve really enjoyed the learning and challenging myself. The opportunity to meet and learn from other students from different educational sectors has also broadened my experience.
Why did you choose to do further postgraduate study in education, and why Macquarie?
I was looking for a course that had some depth to it, broadened my learning and would help to develop me as a leader in schools, and the Macquarie program was a good fit. I also have the flexibility to pace the program the way I want to. I do one subject a semester, and I find that gives me the advanced learning I need while still balancing my work. Macquarie University is also conveniently located.
What advice would you give to someone considering undertaking further study in education or getting started in your field?
Having some experience has really helped in my postgraduate studies. It has made me feel that I can bring something to the learning experience that I can reflect on – I think that’s important.
After being away from tertiary study for a long time, I was a bit nervous about returning. Starting with a graduate certificate was a good way of getting back into the university study process. It was also a good indication of what it would be like balancing my work and study. So my advice is, if you’re considering further study, look at the options that are available to you. A short course like the graduate certificate is a great way of getting back into the university study pattern.
How important have the connections you formed through your relationship with Macquarie been to your career?
The connections made have been invaluable. They have broadened my perspectives and enabled me to contribute towards education in a range of ways.
What are some of your passions outside of work?
I make sure that I have interests that are unrelated to work, so it gives me some kind of separation and break. That is often anything from spending some time in the garden, being distracted by the fish in our fish tank or reading recipe books to plan and cook a good meal.
What kinds of things do you do to manage stress?
The balance between work and study is often a difficult one to make; however, at school I go for a walk in the playground or spend time in the classroom engaging with the children. Leaving the office and heading into the playground to talk with the students and staff is always a welcome break and helps to clear my head. I also choose to walk around the school site throughout the day. It assists with fitting exercise into a busy schedule and helps to manage stress. At home, I timetable things in to make sure I give myself breaks, whether that be calling family, cooking a meal, watching a movie or going out to dinner with my husband. Additionally, I am disciplined and always make sure that I take Friday night off after the busy working week.