Staff in the Spotlight 

With so many staff joining our team this year, we would like to give our school community the opportunity to get to know our new teachers in a fun way. Each week we will be spotlighting a new staff member and sharing with you all sorts of fun and interesting stories about who they are and most importantly, why they became a teacher and what they love most about teaching! 

This week we are spotlighting Bonita Gu-Yang.  Bonita is one of our graduate teachers who has joined the maths team and is doing fabulous work in the classroom. 

How long have you been teaching?

How long ago was February 2022?

What school/university or organisation have you come from?

Monash University 

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

This is always a tricky question! I can't quite remember when I chose the pathway to becoming a teacher. I have been coaching Calisthenics, teaching chess and tutoring for quite a while and the rapport I built with students was always such a rewarding feeling. The way you can positively impact a child's life makes such a big difference.

What do you love most about teaching?

There are several things to talk about here. The relationships I have built with students, parents and colleagues at Wantirna is undoubtedly one of the reasons why I love coming to work – the community here is wonderful. Aside from all the rewarding moments I have with students, I do enjoy the occasional embarrassment from students who accidentally call me ‘mum’ in front of their peers!

What are three things you would like your students to know about you?

For starters, I think students often see teachers as some sort of superheroes who have the answers to everything, or we should be able to do everything - but of course, we don’t, and we can't (we do try though!). Secondly, all my students are amazing. And lastly, when I give my students ‘the look’, I try really hard not to laugh at their jokes or their wittiness (but let’s keep this a secret!).

What has been one of your best teaching moments?

A student once said to me ‘the only reason I come to your class is because I appreciate how you check-in on me once a week for a small chat’. As teachers, we are always trying to juggle teaching while looking after 25 other students in the class. However, we are also ensuring our students feel safe when they are with us. When students trust me enough to tell me what’s happening in their lives, I know I have made at least one student feel heard.

Where's your favourite holiday destination?

Anywhere with good food but I would love to head back to Hawaii again!

What are tv show/series did you last binge watch?

I was a bit late to the HIMYM and FRIENDS bandwagon ... but I'm there now!

If you could wear Harry's invisibility cloak for one day, where would you go and what would you do?

Sneak through the airport and take a free plane ride to Greece or Spain because they're on the top of my travel list!

What is the one piece of 'advice' or the one thing that you always say to your students?

I say this to all my students, but especially my VCE students: 'There is so much more to life than school, but enjoy school while you're still there!'