Irena Clark recently joined Virtual School Victoria as Assistant Principal and will be working closely with the Executive Team over the next six months. With a strong background in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and instructional leadership, she is passionate about fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment.
Empathy, one of VSV’s four values, is modelled especially well by Irena, who is anaphylactic and also has a hearing impairment.
What are your first impressions of VSV?
My first impressions of Virtual School Victoria have been incredibly positive. I’ve been truly impressed by how welcoming and inclusive everyone is, and the online platform is not only intuitive but also incredibly helpful in supporting the learning experience.
What excites you about being an Assistant Principal at VSV?
I’m excited about the opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking school that fosters personalised and individualised learning pathways for all students, within an online environment that is still able to emphasise connection and collaboration.
Tell us something you love about your dog, Angus
I love that my golden bundle of cuteness is able to recognise when I’m feeling sad and comforts me by putting his head on my shoulder and his paw on my lap.
Why are you passionate about women in STEM?
I am passionate about women in STEM because I believe in the power of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and progress. Encouraging women to pursue careers in STEM not only empowers individuals but also helps create more inclusive, creative, and effective solutions to the challenges we face. I am committed to supporting and inspiring the next generation of women who will shape the future of technology, science, and engineering.
As someone with a hearing impairment, how do you tell a person to repeat themselves without feeling embarrassed?
It has taken me a long time to be able to speak up and ask others to repeat themselves without feeling like a burden or liability. Same with my allergies. I believe open, honest communication helps foster understanding, and most people are more than willing to accommodate when I ask for clarification or support.
Angus and Irena
