Pontus

starfish Classroom Assistant

What is your background?

Long story short, I am an Australian born Swede who grew up in Switzerland. In my late teens I moved to Sweden finishing off my high school years. During the next 15 years I studied Music Production, worked as a personal care assistant at a school, finished my Bachelor and started working as a pedagog. After seven years of working in the Swedish school system I took the opportunity to move back to Australia and try my luck.

What do you remember best about primary school?

My fondest memories of primary were spending time with my friends both inside and out of the classroom. As well as my English teacher, John Ivett, who was a charismatic and wonderful teacher who saw the light in everyone and made reading Lord of the Flies more than just a requirement.

What qualifications do you have?

A Bachelor of Science in Education & a combined Music Production Diploma from SAE and Kulturama (audio engineering school in Stockholm).

What are your main philosophies about children’s learning?

I believe that my role as a pedagog must be a dynamic one based on flexibility, understanding, empathy and leadership. When students coexist in a shared environment, conflicts and barriers often arise and it is not always as important help resolve these conflicts as it is to help provide them develop the necessary tools needed to handle future situations on their own. 

Working in a classroom environment I also find it important to create a mix of passion, creativity and openness to learn to thereby grow as a individual as well as within a community.

Why do you enjoy working at BCPS?

BCPS seems like an school where one can build resilient and nurturing bonds between students as well as colleagues that benefit everyone in creating a creative and fun learning environment. 

What is your greatest achievement?

Finding a career that I believe in, am passionate about, learn from and being able to give back to the community.

What aspirations still lie ahead?

Becoming a father and volunteer firefighter.

What occupies your time outside of school hours?

Outside of school hours I enjoy all things related to the ocean and mountains. Such as skiing, diving, hiking, skateboarding and riding my motorbike. I enjoy spending time in the kitchen as well in my studio writing and producing music.

If you weren’t a Teachers Assistant, how do you think you would be spending your days?

Working as a teacher or as a full time artist/music producer.