Meet the Teacher

We are so excited about having your child in our class this year! I hope this page helps you get to know us a little bit better.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.  

School Phone: 3408 5333
Email: jthor175@eq.edu.au


About Mrs Thorburn

Mrs Thorburn teaching Grade 4

     Mrs Thorburn in Grade 4    

I graduated from Queensland University of Technology in 2007 with a Graduate Diploma in Education. I have been teaching at Banksia since 2008 (with 2 years maternity leave in there while I was off having babies).

I live locally with my husband, two children and our cattle dog Tilly. In my spare time I enjoy renovating our home, camping, reading, sewing, cooking and photography. I work best under pressure!

My Teaching Philosophy

I have chosen to become a teacher because I look upon teaching as a way of life. I believe in life-long learning which involves constantly reflecting, evaluating and planning in order to continuously evolve and improve as a teacher.

I believe that education is a partnership between home, school and community. I am available at any time for parent conferences, concerns or questions. Through working together, we can make Grade 4 an enjoyable and challenging experience.

Mrs Thorburn's Favourite Things

• Season - Spring
• Food - Mexican, Summer fruits
• Drink - Water, Coffee
• Fruit - Watermelon
• Lollies - Any!
• Ice Cream - Choc Chip Cookie Dough, Love Potion (Baskins)
• Dessert - Lemon meringue pie, Peppermint slice
• Flavours - Lime, coconut, peppermint, chilli
• Authors - James Patterson, Lee Child
• Authors (Children) - Julia Donaldson, Enid Blyton
• Flowers - Peonies
• Scent - Glamorous
• TV Shows - Mentalist, Homeland
• Sports Teams - Broncos
• Music - Australian / American country, anything with a catchy beat!

Other Interesting Tidbits

• On her weekends she - Does school work, reads, goes camping, does photography
• Her friends would say she - Is outgoing, loud, loyal, talks a lot, loves to laugh
• Wishes she had - More hours in the day
• Never has enough - Books to read, teaching resources
• Is glad she has - A close family, good friends and a very supportive husband who is a great cook!

Welcome to year 4A!

2016 is going to be an exciting and challenging year with lots of new things to learn and experience. We hope this post will help you learn a little bit more about us and will help us learn and grow together.

When I was in year four, I was starting to construct detailed and interesting stories. I achieved this by improving my vocabulary and reading. My teachers wrote on my report card, "She has a positive attitude so that she works independently, shows initiative and completes assigned tasks on time." My parents were very pleased and proud of my results.  

About Mrs Bluhdorn

I graduated from Queensland University of Technology in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Primary Education (Second Class Honours Division B). This is my fourth year teaching at Banksia and my second year teaching Grade 4.

My husband, 2 children (Josie and Olivia) and I do not live locally, however we love spending time on Bribie taking our dog (a Staffy called Whiskey) for walks and playing on the beach and going out to lunch at some of the great restaurants.

 Our dog Whiskey

 

Mrs Bluhdorn in Year 4

 

My family

My Teaching Philosophy

From a very young age I have always wanted to teach and help children achieve their dreams and be their very best. I dreamt to be a teacher because I want to make a difference in childrens' lives. Children are constantly learning and growing and I want to be a part of that wonderful process. My teaching is well planned and structured, but is flexible to cater for all learning styles, paces and needs.

Effective learning requires a collaboration between students, teachers and their parents/carers grounded in mutual respect and trust. I believe learning takes place best in a positive and safe environment filled with laughter. I will aim to ensure that this will occur and Year 4 will be an enjoyable learning journey for your child.

Email: jbluh1@eq.edu.au

Some of Mrs Bluhdorn's Favourites



·        Food - Mexican, Strawberries and Mango
·        Drink – Sparkling water  
·        Fruit - Strawberry and Mango 
·        Lollies - Clinkers
·        Ice Cream - Hokie Pokie
·        Dessert - Lemon meringue pie, Ice Cream 
·        Flavours - Lemon
·        Flowers - Gerbras
·        TV Shows - Neighbours, Masterchef, Dexter
·        Sports Teams - Titans
·        Music - Lots of different kinds 

 

Other Interesting Things

 

·        On her weekends she - Does school prep, spends time with my family, goes camping, shopping and going to the beach
·        Her friends would say she - Is outgoing, caring, loyal, loves to laugh
·        Wishes she had - More hours in the day
·        Never has enough - Books to read, teaching resources
·        Is glad she has - A close family, good friends and a very supportive and understanding husband