Welcome Kylie Olsthoorn, Health and Physical Education Coordinator.
Kylie has over 18 years’ experience having worked in 5 different countries as a Health and Physical Education teacher, Dean, Curriculum leader, and Athletic director. Born in New Zealand, growing up near Wellington she developed a passion for sport at a young age. Kylie represented her region at multiple different sports. Growing up in a small town she gave back to the community once entering high school and enjoyed coaching younger children, and naturally, her journey into education began. She studied Sport and Exercise Science in Hamilton NZ, before completing her teaching qualification in Christchurch. Kylie’s early career kept her in NZ whilst developing her craft and educational philosophy. She then ventured overseas to Saudi Arabia and taught girls at a British school, before moving to India. In India, Kylie took on an Activities and Athletic Director role for an American school, in which she became an integral part of the leadership team. Throughout her adventures she continually strives to stay at the top of her field as a life-long learner and completed a Masters in Sports Coaching through Griffith University. She is a risk-taker and spent a few years prior to covid at a school in Bulgaria, again on the leadership team but also teaching k-10 Physical Education.
Most recently, Kylie has been in Wellington NZ working at a large Girls’ school and spending quality time with her family. She has now moved to Canberra with her son, and enjoying being closer to her sister, niece and nephew.
Kylie is a dynamic woman who strives to be better, whether it be in the classroom, as an administrator or in her personal life. She is known for her ideas, challenges and for achieving her goals. She believes it is her duty as a teacher and mentor to be a role model and to guide students’ character to enable them to lead a full happy, healthy life. Throughout her career she strives to meet the needs of individuals and groups of students. She finds ways to honour students’ choice and create programs that are inclusive of all, whilst keeping it relevant to the changing needs of the student population.
She is excited to be here at Merici in the year of communitas and is enjoying the unique culture of the school.
