In the Spotlight

Hello! My name is Rick Kayler-Thomson but most folk around here call me, Mr KT. I am the STEM teacher and love my role. I have been a teacher at OGPS since 2013. Prior to that, I was a teacher at Bellaire Primary School in Highton for 7 years. I love working at this school so much. Great kids, great families and the greatest colleagues.

Lots of the kids ask me if I am a scientist (aren’t we all?!). Yes, I love science and technology. Yes, I teach STEM. Yes, my hair gets a bit crazy sometimes and is somewhat grey. All the kids know that. But what they might not know, is that I was a musician for many years. I played drums in a band called ‘Domino Theory’. We wrote our own songs and played many a show around Melbourne, sometimes to more than 3 people! If you search thoughtfully on YouTube, you may even find a clip or two of us.

I live in Drysdale with my wife, Andrea, and two young boys, Banjo and Toby. We love singing, dancing, talking, gardening and looking after our pet chickens and guinea pigs. And a bit more talking!

Some other little pieces of trivia you might not know about me and my clan…

• I lived in Canada for 6 months when I was studying to be a teacher. I spent the bulk of my time at a university in the province of Quebec. My French improved a little!
• I was a deli boy at Safeway for nearly 10 years before I became a teacher
• Mr King (ex OGPS teacher) was best man at my wedding
• My happy place is cooking in the kitchen with my chicken apron on and a record spinning on the turntable
• Miss Chadwick was a student of mine in my very first year of teaching. I taught a Year 5-6 class and she was in Year 5. I awarded her my first ever ‘Student of the Week’ award. Miss Chadwick still has the award and I still have our class photo. Now we are colleagues and friends – how good is that!

Come and say hi at the STEM room anytime! 

Hi my name is Nikki Keating, 

I am one of the lucky Year 3 teachers. My two daughters also go to Ocean Grove P.S and are in Prep and Grade 2. Our dogs name is Sunny. I love sport, going camping with my family and spending time at the beach. I play basketball with friends and enjoy listening to live music. I love eating chocolate and ice-cream for a treat. Geelong Cats are definitely the best AFL team!