Louise
Pe Teacher
What is your background?
15 years of primary teaching experience. I have taught out at Moree and on the Tweed Coast. Over 5 years experience specifically teaching PE to K-6 students in the primary setting. 2 years experience as an academic tutor at Southern Cross University teaching PDHPE curriculum and pedagogy.
What do you remember best about primary school?
The teachers that showed genuine care and really listened to us, made learning fun and gave us a voice. One teacher in particular (Mrs Collins) that was invested in us achieving our best, encouraging us to challenge ourselves further and being excited by our triumphs. She truly cared! This teacher (Mrs Collins) was a large inspiration in the type of teacher I wanted to be and the teacher I try to be every day- one who truly cares, listens and reminds her students just how special they are.
Where else have you worked and how has it shaped your general outlook and your approach to teaching children today?
I have taught at Moree (a small rural town) which taught me a lot about the emotional and mental wellbeing of our students and building them up to feel capable, confident and valued. This school gave me the experiences and confidence to build strong respectful relationships with families and the students to help support the diverse learning needs of our students.
I have also spent many years teaching on the Tweed Coast in the beautiful small town of Kingscliff. The philosophies and experiences I developed and strengthened within this school community were centred around high expectations in a student centred, inclusive and dynamic learning environment. This was where I realised my passion for teaching PD/H/PE to primary school students and pursued a career specifically focusing on the PD/H/PEcurriculum. Although I still love the joy of learning in all other curriculum areas too.
What are your main teaching and classroom philosophies?
Learning is fun! This is a motto that my teaching and learning centres around. I strive to create an engaging and fun learning environment where all students want to get in and have a go! A learning environment where all students feel valued, included and listened to.
What/why do you enjoy teaching at BCPS?
I love the enthusiasm of the student's at BCPS. They come to school excited and curious. They are excited by new experiences and challenges and they encourage and support one another.
The BCPS staff are all friendly, warm and genuinely love what they do.
I love the opportunities that the students are given at BCPS and the emphasis and support that each area of the curriculum is given. Creativity, curiosity and making learning fun is highly valued at BCPS which means everyone walks through those gates excited and ready for learning.
What do you enjoy teaching the most?
Personal Development/Health/Physical Education (PD/H/PE) is my all time favourite learning area. It allows me, as a teacher, to help students build and grow their whole self- focusing on developing a holistic view of positive health. PDHPE is that important area of the curriculum where students learn all about themselves, where they are given opportunities that allow them to build respectful relationships and a strong social, emotional understanding. But most importantly PE is fun. Essentially I get to play all day!
What is your greatest achievement?
As cliche as it sounds, my beautiful family. Nothing compares to the joy of becoming a parent and watching your 'little' people grow.
What aspirations still lie ahead of you?
I love the symbiotic relationship of my PE teaching in the primary setting and my PE teaching at university. What I learn from teaching my students at BCPS I take back with me to my tutorials when I'm teaching University students best teaching practices and understanding the PDHPE curriculum and pedagogy. This is an area of teaching and learning that I have thoroughly enjoyed and will continue to pursue. I also have not ruled out the idea of further studies myself. Definitely more travel plans in the near and far future (now that we can get out and enjoy the world again!)
What occupies your time outside school hours?
Anything active and outdoors. Spending time with my family, days at the beach, travelling, bushwalking, swimming, bike riding, running, reading and restoring old furniture.
If you weren’t a primary teacher, how do you think you’d be spending your days?
Travelling with my family- seeing new places, cultures and experiences, seeking new adventures.
Restoring and upcycling old/unwanted furniture.