Meet Our New Deputy
Introducing Di McLean, our new Deputy Principal in Talkabout!
Q. When did you start working at Telethon Speech & Hearing?
Di: My history at Telethon Speech & Hearing goes right back to 1999, when I completed my final teaching practicum as a Teacher of the Deaf in the original, old buildings at the centre. I commenced working at TSH in 2006 and, over a ten-year period, taught in Talkabout 4, Talkabout 5, Early Intervention and in Outpost.
In 2016 my family moved overseas for an adventure, and I taught at the Australian International School of Malaysia. I was Head of Learning Support for the first 18 months and was then offered the Head of the Lower Junior School role for the following 3 ½ years.
Q. Please give us some insight into your role.
D: As the Deputy Principal in the Talkabout program, my role is to keep everyone happy and supported. My door is always open to help students and their families along their journey and to support our brilliant staff.
Q. The most common question I get asked is…
D: “This is amazing… when can we start?”
Q. Something I've enjoyed this year is…
D: It has been wonderful to come back to a place I love so much and start my new role. I am enjoying getting to know and build strong connections with all the students and families in our programs. I am also looking forward to helping our fabulous staff continue to shine at what they do best. I feel so lucky to be a part of such a passionate and dedicated multi-disciplinary team.
Q. In my role, I’m most passionate about…
D: I am very passionate about watching children who join our programs make progress and, in particular, seeing them make huge gains in their language and literacy skills. It is wonderful to see their confidence grow as the year progresses. I also love supporting our amazing team, so they can do what they do best.
Q. What is your favourite sound or word?
D: I live near the beach and really enjoy the sound of the ocean. I find the sound of the waves calming and relaxing and I love beach walks with my two senior rescue Labradors.
Q. What activity do you recommend for family bonding?
D: We enjoy playing board games at my house – until the table tips! My family is very competitive and the table tips often – particularly when we play Monopoly!
I also recommend special family trips to have adventures together to make memories.
Contacting Di
Our Deputy Principal facilitates operations in the program on a day to day basis and communicates directly with parents and staff on curriculum and behavioural matters. The Deputy Principal works with all stakeholders to contribute to the Centre’s educational planning, innovation and evaluation.
For families, Di is available for program related queries and for support with issues related to your child.
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Telethon Speech & Hearing acknowledges and thanks all individuals and organisations for their support of our centre, including: Channel 7 Telethon Trust, Channel 7 and The West Australian
