Mission
The Teacher Of French Association WA (TOFAWA) is a non-profit organisation which aims to support teachers and pre-service teachers of French in Western Australia through:
- Professional development for primary and secondary teachers;
- Maintenance of professional networks;
- Dissemination of information through newsletters and social media;
- Provision of student activities;
- Support and promote excellence in the French language.
Committee Members
- Celine Decoux, President
- Simona Carniello, Vice-President
- Veronika Popp, Treasurer
- Emilie Perrot, Committee Member
- Rahima Yennar, Committee Member
- Arielle Birchmeier-Moret, Committee Member
- Nicky Griffin-Apadoo, Committee Member
- Asha Goinden, Committee Member
Celine Decoux
President
What I love the most about being a French teacher in Australia, is the freedom to be myself in class and talk about so many different topics with my students: Language, Sport, History, Geography, Art, Music… I am always looking for creative ways to teach and get my students interested and engaged. If you enter my classroom you will find a diorama project drying against the wall, a green screen for role plays, boxes of props such as puppets, clothes and toys and a pile of board games.
Since joining TOFA in 2017, I have met lovely people who have motivated me to grow in my career and continuously improve my teaching practice. I love that we are a family and meet regularly around a French meal to have a laugh. I believe that it is a privilege to be part of this committee but also an essential commitment, to face the pressures of our rapidly evolving profession.
Simona Carniello
Vice-President
« Les limites de ma langue sont les limites de mon univers » – Ludwig Wittgenstein.
Growing up speaking a Swiss dialect, learning multiple other languages has been a gateway to a broader world. It’s allowed me to travel, working in interesting jobs, building a career, making friends across the globe and even finding love!
My teaching journey began over two decades ago, leading me through diverse languages, grades, educational institutes, and sectors. Amid this varied experience, I discovered a calling into Early Years Languages teaching. Guiding young minds through the foundational stages of language learning is a very rewarding experience. I am always striving to create a positive, joyful, engaging, inclusive, safe space for my students. Since 2019, I have been teaching French at the ELC Scotch College’s Early Learning Centre (PK-2), following many years at St Stephen’s Primary School and High School (Grades 8-10)
As a member of the TOFA committee, I look forward to strengthening our network and fostering connections. I firmly believe that in today’s educational landscape, the pillars of support, collaboration, and the exchange of lived and teaching experiences are more important than ever!
Veronika Popp
Treasurer
My love of languages began when I moved to Australia as a young child. What started as a necessity quickly became a passion. I discovered that learning a language opens doors — not only to opportunities, but to understanding. It allows us to step outside our own perspective and into someone else’s world, nurturing empathy, resilience, acceptance and connection.
Trained as a Secondary Languages teacher, I have valued the opportunity to work across multiple levels, from Pre-Primary to Year 11. My teaching prioritises confidence, active participation and positive academic risk-taking, creating safe and engaging spaces where students feel supported to do their best. Ultimately, I hope to foster greater understanding and appreciation of others through language learning.
I have been an active member of TOFA since returning to Perth in 2006 and have greatly appreciated the many opportunities the volunteer committee provides. In 2025, I felt it was time to contribute more actively and was pleased to rejoin the committee as Treasurer.