Shaping the Future: STEM at Rosebank
At Rosebank College, Early Career Teachers Jacqueline Danaskos [Alumni 2020] and Eamon Darragh are proving that passion and innovation go hand in hand when it comes to teaching Science and TAS. As STEM Project Leads, this dynamic duo brings energy, expertise, and a forward-thinking mindset to everything they do—both in the classroom and beyond.
Why STEM?
"We’re passionate about STEM subjects because the combination of subjects can empower students to be curious, creative, and solution-focused,” Jacqueline explains.
“STEM is always evolving and deeply connected to the world around us, which keeps it exciting,” Eamon joins in. Whether students are solving real-world problems or exploring abstract ideas, our two STEM leaders believe STEM education builds more than just content knowledge—it cultivates confidence, resilience, and a mindset that embraces challenges.
According to Jacqueline and Eamon, “STEM at Rosebank College cultivates confidence, resilience, and a mindset that embraces challenges.”
Leading Beyond the Classroom
Outside their regular Science and TAS teaching roles, Jacqueline and Eamon respectively coordinate and facilitate a range of cross-curricular and extracurricular STEM activities as part of the College’s PACE program. These include hands-on projects, excursions, and learning opportunities that allow students to apply their knowledge in practical, meaningful ways.
“We’re both passionate about future-focused learning,” they share. “We love creating opportunities for students to collaborate, think creatively, and surprise themselves with what they can achieve.”
Backed by compelling research—such as the fact that 75% of the fastest-growing occupations require STEM skills—both of our Early Career Teachers see their work as not only educational but essential to preparing students for tomorrow’s workforce. “Helping students build these skills now ensures they have the tools they need for success in the future.”
Teamwork Makes the STEM-Work
As co-leads of the STEM project, our passionate teachers thrive on collaboration: “Sharing the role works really well—we each bring different strengths,” they say.
If you know these two educators like we do, our Rosebank College Science teacher Jacqueline excels in organisation and event coordination, while TAS and Science specialist Eamon is deeply engaged in the hands-on, practical aspects of STEM learning. The result is a well-rounded approach that gives students access to exciting, well-executed activities that foster deep engagement and learning.
“For us, the greatest satisfaction comes from watching students light up with understanding and pride in their work.
Seeing students take on a challenge, work through ideas, and experience that ‘aha’ moment is incredibly fulfilling,” they explain.
With mentors such as their Studies Coordinators, Marie Serratore (Science) and Melissa Gal (TAS), and Assistant Dean of Learning, Matt Couani to guide their thinking and development, they have free reign to create and mentor students in this dynamic subject.
“We’re not just teaching content—we’re helping them develop critical skills like creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking that will serve them well beyond school.”
Building Critical Thinkers @ Rosebank
In STEM, Critical Thinking isn’t optional—it’s essential. Students are regularly presented with open-ended challenges that mirror the kinds of problems professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics face every day.
“There’s often no single right answer. Students learn to test, reflect, revise, and try again—developing resilience and a thoughtful approach to problem-solving.”
And what are they reading?
In support of Rosebank’s thriving Reading Culture, Eamon is immersed in Lightbringer by Pierce Brown and Jacqueline is currently enjoying A Series of Unfortunate Events: A Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket.