In this week's 'A Conversation With...' we talk to learning development teacher, Mrs Vicky Palli-Evans. Originally from Greece, Mrs Palli-Evans started teaching English in her fourth year of university and has never looked back. She is looking forward to getting back to Greece to visit family once restrictions are eased, as well as enjoying a postponed break in the Caribbean.
How long have you been at Shiplake and what is your role(s)?
I joined Shiplake in September 2020. I am a teacher in the Learning Development Department and an Orchard tutor.
What would you say is the best thing about Shiplake?
In September, one parent wrote to me: ‘Welcome to the Shiplake family!’ I remember being pleasantly surprised that the school community was regarded as a ‘family’. Isn’t it great that pupils, parents and teachers all think of Shiplake as their ‘family’? The inclusive and supportive environment is among the best things about Shiplake. I am certain that in the future I will have the opportunity to discover and enjoy more of what Shiplake has to offer.
What does a normal day look like for you?
The day starts spending time with my tutor group and making sure that all is well for the day ahead. A normal day is always a ‘busy’ day teaching or planning my lessons, as well as liaising with teachers and parents.
On Wednesdays, Mrs Parrot and I run the Language Club. On Thursdays, you will find me with Mrs Hallam in the Book and Film Club. Both clubs are for the Lower School and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the boys and introducing them to the Greek language, history and culture. Do you know that the word ‘telephone’ derives from the Greek words ‘tele’ ( meaning ‘far’) and ‘phone’ (meaning ‘sound, voice’)? The boys now do (at least I hope they remember!) and they can link this knowledge to words such as microphone and telescope. This term we watched ‘The Trojan War’. We talked about Sparta and Troy, the Greek heroes and the meaning of the phrases ‘Trojan Horse’ and ‘Achilles’ heel’.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
When I started studying English language and literature at the University of Athens in Greece, being a teacher was not really in my mind. I had always loved languages and this is why I studied English and French from a young age. I just wanted to be able to communicate with people from other countries. It made sense that my first option would be to get a degree in either English or French. As English was (and still is) the lingua franca, the career prospects seemed to be better with a degree in English.
While I was in my fourth year, I started teaching English in a private language school in the centre of Athens. It seems like yesterday that we were discussing lesson plans and innovative ideas about language teaching. I can’t believe this happened almost 33 years ago! What a year that was, my final year at university and my first year as a teacher.
I was very lucky that my first year in teaching was positive and inspiring. At the end of the year, I knew that teaching was my calling and there was nothing else I would rather do more. After all these years, I am blessed to say that I made the right decision as I have never felt that teaching was just a ‘job’!
What do you love most about your job and what is the best thing about working in the Learning Development Department?
I love every single aspect of working in the Learning Development Department. I feel fortunate to be part of an experienced and supportive team, with a shared vision to empower our pupils to be the best they can be. The highlight of the Spring Term was our subscription to ‘The Day’, an online newspaper for young people. Wider reading supports academic success. I would like to encourage Shiplake parents to ask their child to read one article every day and then have a discussion about the topic. This is a great opportunity to develop vocabulary and critical thinking.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love travelling, reading, going for walks with my husband and watching drama series to unwind in the evenings.
What are you looking forward to doing first when lockdown restrictions are hopefully lifted in the summer?
I can’t wait to book my flights to Greece. I haven’t seen my mother since October 2019! Of course, video calls have helped but they can never be the same as physically being in the same room. I am also looking forward to spending more time in the common room, talking to other teachers and enjoying the gorgeous view of the river.
Thousands of years ago people started shaking hands as a sign of trust, conveying peaceful intentions as their right hand did not hold a gun or a dagger. In 1439 King Henry VI of England banned kissing to battle the plague. In 2020 we banned kissing and handshaking to battle COVID. When life is more settled, I am looking forward to the time when we will all be able to greet family and friends with a kiss and the handshake will symbolise that people are free of COVID and pose no threat to those around them.
What does the future hold for Mrs Palli-Evans?
I hope that my husband and I will be able to spend Christmas in the Caribbean; a holiday which was planned for 2020. Will it happen in 2021 or 2022? Time will tell! But I would definitely like to think that Shiplake College and our lovely students will be part of my future!
