2022 will be Mrs Roxanne Wilson’s 11th year at our School. With a teaching career spanning almost 30 years in many different areas, her passion always lay with the pastoral care of students. This year she will be taking on a new role as Head of Diverse Learning and looks forward to continue nurturing students who require additional support.

I started my teaching career in the early 90s, teaching French in Perth to Year 6 and 7 students before moving to the small mining town of Mount Magnet to teach Literacy, Special Education, Humanities and Social Science (HASS) and facilitate Badimaya Aboriginal Languages. I have very fond memories of becoming a volunteer Ambulance Officer, learning to play darts in the local pub competition and learning the events involved in Fire Brigade competitions. I then spent 15 years at Narrogin High School teaching everything from English to Food Technology, again with a strong focus on Special Education and HASS. I also really enjoyed working in the Pastoral Care System, being a Year Leader there for many years. What stuck with me was the strong sense of community found in those smaller towns and I pondered whether I would feel that connection again. Luckily, when I made the move to BCGS in 2012, I was delighted to discover that community was also at the heart of the School.

I pretty much fell into teaching and I am very happy to say that I am one of the lucky ones who feel that teaching does not feel like a job to me – it is who I am. I really enjoy working with young people. They make me laugh, inspire me, challenge, delight and frustrate me at times, but never cease to amaze me (I am sure that many parents feel the same way!). I learnt early on in teaching, that the key to great teaching is fostering good relationships with students and this is probably why I have enjoyed working in Pastoral Care.

I value working at BCGS because the focus is really on educating the ‘whole person’. I like that the students here are given so many opportunities. I am proud of the way Special Needs students are nurtured at BCGS with a strong focus on progress for all. We are lucky to have a really strong support network with some incredible professionals working with them. Being part of the Wellbeing Team has really been a highlight for me with many cherished memories working as an Associate Head of House for Wilson and Goldsmith for the last nine years. I will miss not being in the House area next year, as I love being part of the organisation for Interhouse Carnivals, House competitions, games and events as I have really valued my interactions with the students over these special times. Luckily, I will not be straying too far from my Wellbeing colleagues and friends.

I often think that the measure of a good school is how well they look after their most challenged students and extend their most talented. Every person should be constantly striving to reach their potential. Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School really does this well. I am really looking forward to my new role next year as Head of Diverse Learning as I work to further extend opportunities for all students.