The Teacher Feature

Mr Ryan Bolger, gr 3

What do you love most about working at BBPS?

Having worked across Catholic, Independent and State schools I have always felt extremely fortunate that I found my way to Brighton Beach Primary School. I originally applied to teach at our school because of the reputation of the strong sense of community which once I started teaching here, I realised that it was a reputation well deserved. Life took me away from BBPS for the last three years, during which I worked in education recruitment and then at a school seen as a leader in evidenced based teaching practices, but it was the community at BBPS that pulled me back.

How do you support students at different levels to all experience success?

I have a passion for Direct Instruction, a style of teaching pioneered by the University of Oregon and subsequently deeply researched and found to be highly effective. DI uses fully scripted lessons to ensure lessons gradually increase in difficulty enabling a teacher to pinpoint in misconceptions students might have, then reteach it and see that students have mastered the concept.

What brings you joy?

I thoroughly enjoy ‘Froggy Friday’, a hang over from my own Year Seven homeroom teacher, where at the end of the week we shake hands (web to web and eye to eye) and I give them a Freddo Frog, and once I have taught you, if you come back on a Friday afternoon I will have a Freddo for you!

Miss Wendy, gr 3

How would you describe your teaching philosophy? I honestly believe kids learn best when they feel seen, safe, challenged, and genuinely part of something. I’m passionate about building strong foundations in literacy and thinking skills, but also about helping children know themselves, take risks, solve problems, and feel capable in the world. I want my classroom to feel alive, engaging, creative, calm, and deeply human because learning sticks when children experience it, not just complete it.

What is something you’re currently working on improving in your practice? I’m always trying to get better at creating learning experiences where students do more of the thinking, talking, questioning, and reflecting themselves. I think real learning happens when kids can apply ideas, make connections, and explain their thinking, not just repeat information back to you. I’m also constantly refining how I balance strong explicit instruction with creativity, curiosity, and joy because I think children need both.

Favourite moment in Grade 3 so far this year. Honestly, there have been so many little moments. Watching kids who started the year unsure of themselves begin putting their hand up, taking risks in writing, supporting each other, or suddenly realising, “Wait… I can do this,” is the best part of teaching for me. I also loved seeing our class come together during projects and discussions where the room just felt buzzing with ideas, humour, curiosity, and connection. Those are the moments where you can actually feel learning happening.

Rebecca Crabtree, Education Support Staff - currently facilitates 3/4 intervention, and you might spot her at our Admin Office.

How do you build strong relationships with your students? 

Compassion, patience and fun and laughter. Chatting to students about their interests and listening to their stories and answering their fascinating questions – we have some truly inquisitive minds in our young people here at Brighton Beach and they’re a joy to be around.

As a former parent of the BBPS community, what stands out to you about your children’s time with us?

Seeing my two boys come through this school, I think what has stuck with me is that, in addition to the core academic work (which for my boys involved very good extension opportunities), there were so many fun and varied activities: sports, the whole school performance, sausage sizzles held by the Parent Association, Walkathon, bands, choirs, buddies… There was, and still is, something for every child to experience, to discover their likes, to grow their abilities, to connect with the wider school community, to have fun as part of their day.

What do you love most about your role as an Education Support staff member?

Seeing those ‘lightbulb’ moments in children’s faces as they grasp new concepts. Seeing the children I work with 1:1 achieve their individual goals – being able to ask someone to play all by themselves, using their own voice to advocate for their own needs. Seeing the joy in their faces as they join in class and school activities and make new friendships.