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.
The organisation is run by a committee of volunteers
Sonia Low
President
It is amazing what your students can ask you and make you think about! I was recently asked how long ago did I leave France and I realised that by September 2018, I’d “celebrate” important milestones in my life: 20 years since I left my “Franche-Comté natale”, 10 years of marriage and 5 years since I landed in Australia.
I started teaching FLE as a French assistant 20 years ago and graduated with a BA in MFL Education in England. Since arriving in Perth, I have taught in DOE schools such as Rossmoyne SHS, Applecross SHS and SIDE. I am now at Carine SHS and have been a committee member of TOFAWA for 3 years.
When I am not busy with school or TOFAWA, I am a dance and cricket mum with a lovely husband working away on a regular basis.
Sabine Kuuse
Vice President
Sabine Kuuse est enseignante à l’University of Western Australia depuis 9 ans. Elle enseigne et coordonne des programmes de langue, culture et littérature française pour des étudiants en première, deuxième et troisième année d’études. Elle a aussi enseigné à l’université de Grenoble (sa ville natale) et à l’Alliance Française de Perth (sa ville d’adoption).
Elle essaie constamment de découvrir de nouvelles approches pédagogiques pour motiver ses étudiants et pour promouvoir un apprentissage indépendant. Elle participe activement à des projets de recherche sur l’acquisition des langues et sur la didactique des langues étrangères.
Émilie Perrot
Treasurer
My love for languages is a lifelong one. My first aim was to become an English teacher in France. After the final exams, I went on an exchange program in Perth in 2012 as a French assistant. That year was life-changing and I decided to move to Perth in 2013. After graduating from UWA in 2014, my pracs at Leeming SHS and Hale School eventually led me to Scotch College in 2015; where I still teach today.
Opening students’ minds and hearts to another language and culture is both fascinating and challenging. I encourage my students to take risks to communicate in French and I aim to make learning as immersive and relevant as possible.
Being a TOFA member for a few years, I decided to join its committee in 2017, first as secretary and now as treasurer. Every year, I enjoy being part of a motivated committee; as well as taking part in organising workshops, social events and teaching and learning opportunities for our teachers and students. It gives me great satisfaction to be useful to the francophone community in Perth and its radiance throughout WA.