Hi.. I’m Debs. I’ve been here for just over a month and before that I was teaching in England in a coastal scenic town on the east coast. Funnily enough it is also the most easterly point of England.

Do you speak another language and what was your biggest challenge when learning it?

I speak a little bit of Spanish. My biggest challenge when learning Spanish was the fact that I wasn’t doing an immersion programme and learnt it at home. This meant that I wasn’t surrounded by the language and therefore couldn’t practice as much as I would have liked to have. I think the students here at GV are really lucky to have this opportunity.

Which class are you teaching at the moment?

I am teaching the pre-intermediate class who are lovely and fantastic. They are a very enthusiastic bunch whop are a pleasure to teach

Please tell us about a student in your class who you feel has made outstanding progress…

All of my students are great and it’s incredibly difficult to choose one. Hmm.. really.. Just to pick one, well, I guess Marco. Marco gave us all a real surprise today by writing a heartfelt poem revealing a real talent and understanding of the nuances of English.

What do you most enjoy about teaching at GV Byron Bay?

I enjoy being surrounded by such a collegial environment and to have so many students from such an international base. The students really improve unbelievably quickly and that’s fascinating to watch.

If you weren’t a teacher, what job do you think you would be doing now?

I would be a diving instructor.

What do you like most about living in Byron Bay?

The weather and being so close to the beach.

What is your favourite café, restaurant, shop or place in Byron ?
The top shop.

How long have you been teaching at GV Byron Bay and what did you do before you worked here?

I have been here for a month which has been great!  Before I came here I was working for another language school in Sydney. I came to Byron because it’s a great lifestyle, the beach, the weather and the general natural beauty of the landscape

Do you speak another language and what was your biggest challenge when learning it?

I’m currently learning Spanish at the local community college. The biggest challenge is finding native speakers of Spanish to speak with. I think it’s really important for any language teacher to experience the other side of the classroom.

Which class are you teaching at the moment?

I am teaching the intermediate class who are a great bunch. Everyone is really friendly and well motivated to learn, and are a  pleasure to teach

Please tell us about a student in your class who you feel has made outstanding progress…

I have had a young Japanese student in my class for the last two weeks. He is a great student and works very hard at developing his language skills. He has made amazing progress in the very short time that he has been here, and is a real inspiration to the other classmates and I.

What do you most enjoy about teaching at GV Byron Bay?

I like that the school is small and very friendly community of teachers and students who are supportive of one another. I also enjoy the activities that the school puts on after class. Things like kayaking and surfing are really valuable in bringing the whole school together and helps us all bond more closely with one another.

If you weren’t a teacher, what job do you think you would be doing now?

I would be producing websites.

What do you like most about living in Byron Bay?

Well, like I’m sure everyone says, the beach and the environment. That, and I find people in Byron to be very friendly.

What is your favourite café, restaurant, shop or place in Byron?

My favourite café is “Ate” which is a small café in Bangalow, the vibe and the food are great.

Thanks James. Welcome to the team.

Monica has been an extremely well-loved and respected teacher, and we will certainly miss you very much. I’d like to thank you very much on behalf of the whole GV team for all of your hard work, dedication and…. fun that you have brought into our lives. Keep in touch, and all the best!!!

So Lynne, tell us a bit about yourself.

Okay, well I arrived in Byron Bay from Switzerland about 18 months ago. My husband is Swiss and we had been living in Switzerland. We bought the “Byron Local” opposite the surf club which sells great food, coffee and juices. We have two children, Anouk who is 2 years old and Chiara who is 4. I have lived overseas and taught English in many places around the world including Africa, Alaska, England, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

Do you speak any other languages?

Yes I speak fluent German.

Do you have any other hidden talents ?

Well I am a published author - I have written a series of children’s books which have been published.

That is impressive! Now about GV, what class are you teaching at the moment?

I am teaching the Pre-Intermediate class. They are a really good group of students and because the class size is fairly small I can give each student a lot of personal attention and really get to know them.

Is there any student you have taught at GV Byron Bay who has specially impressed you?

There is a quite a few actually but one student who stood out was Jema. She had very little English but she worked hard and it improved rapidly. She also took to the Byron lifestyle. She has left GV now and works in Byron for a Sky Diving School. She went sky-diving while she was at GV and loved it and she now works for them.

So tell us what is your favourite place to eat in Byron Bay?

Lynne and her family in front of their Cafe, "The Byron Local"

The Byron Local of course! We have the biggest and best hamburgers in town and Michael prides himself on serving up fresh, healthy and yummy food.  I also love going to The Balcony around sunset and having a cocktail or two!