The Teacher Feature

Cathy Kirkham - Education Support (and parent of former BBPS students!)

As a former parent at BBPS, what do you wish you knew back when your children went through primary school that you know now?

I wish I had had a crystal ball to know that despite the ups and downs of each of my children’s academic and social journeys at school they did all get there.  I wish I had been more comfortable with trusting that the fabulous teachers at BBPS would bring the best out in each of my children.  I think by the time I got to my third child I had worked that out so I was able to feel much more relaxed and secure. As parents we hand over the most precious thing in our lives to our primary school teachers and I know now that the BBPS team are absolutely up to the task.

Describe your role as Education Support Staff in 3 words.

Rewarding, challenging, ever-changing

What do you love most about working as an ES at BBPS:

The teaching staff and the leadership team genuinely trust me to do my job and to ultimately make a difference to the school experience of our neurodiverse students, who face multiple challenges every hour of every day. 

Patrick Porter - Education Support

What is your favourite part of your role as Education Support Staff?

My favourite part of my role is getting to know each of the students. Every student has a unique personality, disposition, interests, learning needs and social needs. Getting to know them helps me to build rapport and ensure I am tailoring my approach to each individual based on what works best for their continuing growth and development as people. 

How do you continue to grow and develop as an educator?

Every day is a learning experience at BBPS! But I am also working towards a Masters in Primary Education and hope to work as a teacher in the next couple of years. I really want to see how my experience working as an Education Support can help me become the best possible teacher (and how my studies to become a teacher can help to enhance my current work as an Education Support). 

Liv McConnon,  Grade 1 teacher

What do you love most about working at BBPS?

I love the strong sense of community at BBPS. As a smaller school, we have the opportunity to build genuine relationships with students, families, and staff, creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and connected. 

What do you find most rewarding as an educator?

Seeing students achieve something they once thought they couldn't do is the most rewarding part of teaching. I love watching children build confidence in themselves, take risks in their learning, and realise that mistakes and challenges are all part of growth. 

The Fabulous Charlie Sparkles, School Therapy Dog

What does a typical day at school look like for our therapy dog?

My day is full of friendly greetings, pats and quiet moments with students. I love helping students feel calm, confident and ready to learn.

What is your favourite part of the school day?

My favourite part is seeing my friends and greeting them on the deck near the Year 1 classrooms when they arrive. I love it when I get soft gentle pats. I like a calm quiet classroom and meditation in the afternoon. I’m friend’s with everyone and I try and make sure all my friends feels safe, happy and included.