When Junior School classroom teacher Janet D’Souza is asked to talk about herself, she immediately directs the conversation back to her students in whom she expresses “immense pride.”
“I love the students at Emerson. It is my number one satisfaction in life to see the progress the children make, even if it is just in small steps forward, such as learning to drink water or to chew and eat solid food,” she says.
Janet quotes many examples to highlight the difference Emerson’s intervention has made in students’ lives, but often it is her own actions in going above and beyond that ensure her students get the support they need in the classroom.
“In one instance, I decided to learn another language (Dari) so I could build trust and communicate with one of my students in his own language to help him get over his fear of females,” she says.
Janet already reads, writes and speaks six languages including English: Konkani (mother tongue), Tulu (local language), Kannada (state language), Hindi (national language) and Marathi (the language of Maharashtra).
She cites another example of a child who initially would not shower, brush his teeth or get his hair cut. Through the patience, care and understanding Janet showed in the classroom, the child eventually agreed to start brushing his teeth and having showers at home, then he progressed to having his hair cut.
“That same child made me a playdough heart at the end of the year and presented it to me as a thank you,” she says, the pride in her student’s progress evident in her expression.
Janet was born and raised in India, studying and then teaching mathematics and science for nine years before moving to Kuwait to teach for another nine years.
When she moved to Australia in 2004 and settled locally, Janet could often hear the PA announcements coming from Emerson and was delighted when she had the opportunity to begin at the school in 2007 as a Casual Relief Teacher. After a week she took up a contract position as a science teacher in Senior School, before returning to CRT work after the contract ended. She was called in to work every day for the next five years. In fact, Janet says she has never missed a day of work since starting at Emerson.
She worked for a while in Middle School as a classroom teacher, as well as teaching library, music and art—all new areas of teaching for someone trained as a math/science teacher. “Emerson was very supportive in providing guidance for how to teach in areas other than my previous specialties,” she says.
In 2012 Janet moved to Junior School, where she has taught JSA ever since. Three years ago, she instigated the “100 Days of School” celebration which is held in Term 3 each year. “It is always a highlight to see the students, myself and Education Support officer, Masha, dress up as 100-year-olds, perform at the school assembly, and take part in special classroom activities to mark 100 days of learning,” she says.
Another initiative of Janet’s was to organise a group sleepover with her class of five- and six-year-olds in December 2022, where they all brought sleeping bags and had an overnight stay at the school.
“That event was a great deal of fun for everyone involved, and a lovely way to help the students experience something new.”
Janet has two daughters, one of whom (Marita) also works at Emerson in Education Support and is studying to become a teacher. Janet says Marita practically grew up at the school, attending excursions alongside her mother when she was young and accompanying her on CRT days. “Marita knows as much about the school as I do,” she says.
Janet reached the impressive milestone of 40 years in education this year and says she would not change her job at Emerson for anything.
“I love it at Emerson. Every day is a fresh day, and I never get tired of teaching here. Emerson is just beautiful – it’s my second home.”
[interviewed June 2026]
Featured image (at top) shows Janet and a student enjoying the “100 Days of School” dress-up celebration during 2026.
