Your full name:

April Ross

Where did you grow up?

Ontario, Canada – my hometown is famous for being the place where the Blackberry (the mobile phone) was made. 

Education:

I have a BA in Classical Studies and Geography (University of Waterloo), an MSt in Greek and Latin Language and Literature (Oxford University), and an MA in Latin (University of Toronto). 

Your previous role and place of work:

I was a Classics Teacher at Nonsuch High School for Girls in South West London. I taught Latin from Year 7 all the way up to A-Level, and Ancient Greek at GCSE and A-Level.

What are you most looking forward to about your new role and working at King’s Ely?

I am looking forward to being part of such a close-knit school community, and the opportunity to teach more Classical Civilisation. Part of what made me love Latin so much when I was growing up was learning all about the culture and history of the Greeks and Romans, not just the language.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A Marine Biologist (I loved whales!). I then thought I would like to be a Music/Maths Teacher, but then I started learning Latin, and the rest is history!

Hobbies/interests outside of school:

I enjoy canoeing, and I am very excited to now be living so close to a river so I can get out on the water more frequently! One recent canoe trip was on the River Medway in Kent, which has canoe runs that bypass the weirs - very fun to slide down! 

I also play the piano. I have my diploma in piano performance, though I have grown a bit rusty over the years. I used to play in the Oxford University Gilbert and Sullivan Society, which is where I met my husband! We still get involved in G&S as amateur stage managers for a friend’s theatre company. Most recently I ran the lights at her production of the Mikado.

Back in Canada I used to go cross-country skiing. In fact, I was an outdoor education and ski instructor for one season! Unfortunately, the weather conditions in the UK are not favourable for the sport, but I still enjoy getting out on the trails when I am visiting family in the winter.

Any pets?

Yes! I have two cats, Circe and Malteser. Circe is named for the witch in the Odyssey, Malteser is named for the chocolate! Malteser rules the roost and wants to play chase with Circe, who is far too dignified for such activities.

What is your favourite meal/food?

Nothing quite beats a cheesy pasta dish. The more cheese, the better!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Teleportation. I would like to be able to travel anywhere very quickly. I have family and friends all over the world that I rarely see in person, so I would like to be able to visit them anytime I like! I also do not like planes, so I would like to be able to just skip that whole experience.

Who is your hero?

I do not think I have a hero, but I certainly have people I admire and respect, including my former teachers and tutors at High School and University - a special shout-out to Magistra, who first fostered my passion for Classics in Year 10! 

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Looking back, I think my proudest accomplishment is my move to the UK ten years ago. I had just finished graduate school in Toronto, packed up my entire life into two suitcases and a backpack, flew overseas alone, and started a new job in a part of London where I knew absolutely nobody! It has led to so many wonderful things in my life. I am proud of myself for taking that leap and sticking the landing!

What was the last book you read?

'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garmus. I enjoyed the tenacity of the lead character in pursuing her goals in the face of so much discrimination and stigma. I also liked the dog’s commentary as the story unfolded!

What song are you most likely to sing at a karaoke?

I love listening to karaoke more than singing at it, but I think I would probably choose ‘Call Me Maybe’ by Carly Rae Jepsen – NOT because she is Canadian (although that is a bonus!), but because I remember listening to it on repeat with my friends in our student housing, just taking a moment to laugh and have fun. It really takes me back.

What is your favourite film?

I have too many favourite films to choose an absolute top fave, but one of my go-to recommendations on Netflix is ‘Bon Cop, Bad Cop’. It is a classic buddy cop movie set-up, but it takes place in Ontario and Quebec: the strait-laced anglophone cop teams up with a more rough-and-ready francophone partner to solve a murder committed on the border of the two provinces. Of course, the crime revolves around ice hockey! 

Do you have any phobias or fears? 

I am not a big fan of turbulence on planes. Before a flight you will often find me online looking at the turbulence forecast to see what I will be facing. Last year, I had to fly from Belfast to London during Storm Isha – we were one of the last planes to be allowed to take off before the winds became too strong, and we were already bouncing around on the ground while boarding. I will take a train over a plane whenever possible!

If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be?

My grandparents - I want to ask about all the family stories!

Name three things that you would want with you if you were stranded on a desert island for a week:

Assuming that I have everything I need to survive (e.g. food, water, shelter), then perhaps my luxury items would be a really long and interesting book series (my preferred genres are historical fiction, sci-fi, and some fantasy), a snorkelling mask for going swimming so I can see everything under water, and sunscreen.