Ballajura Community College - Teaching Through the Generations

Maria Catalano started at BCC as a relief teacher when the school first opened its doors back in 1995. She had just returned to work after staying home for seven years raising her three children. Amanda has always had a passion for science. In particular, biological science was her forte but rather than embark on a research-based career, she decided to follow her mother and share her knowledge with those who were also enthralled with the subject.

While most would agree that the demands of being a teacher have changed and have become more challenging over the years, Maria insists that at the end of the day, the job is still very rewarding and the majority of students are eager to learn. “The students keep you young and full of energy,” she said. “Obviously, you must love children. You must have patience and have an interest in what the students are setting out to achieve. “I like to think that I can connect with them at a personal level. The job is not just about teaching the students something new; it is about communicating and keeping them motivated so that they can reach their absolute potential.” Amanda said she had a new found respect for her mother, not only as a teacher, but also has a mother-of-three returning to the workforce after a seven year absence. “You just don’t realise the amount of work involved to become and to be a teacher,” she said. “My mum also had three kids and a household to run. “That takes a lot of organisation and hard work!” Amanda said she relished the opportunity to work at her old campus, having completed countless hours of practical work at various Perth schools during her training and then working as a relief teacher throughout Term 1. “As a teacher, we are helping students to develop. We are on the journey with them. We are helping them and giving them the ability to cope with the ‘real world’ out there. “Not only is it about learning a subject or a science. It is also about developing a great relationship with the students.”

Maria and Amanda speak highly of BCC Principal Dr Stefan Silcox and his staff, citing great organisational skills and support for all members of the BCC team as the recipe for the school’s success. “It is important that teachers keep up their teaching skills and make sure they are in touch with the students,” Maria said. Amanda agrees. “Just since I was a student at BCC things have changed so much with regards to technology,” she said. “I loved being a student at BCC and I am thoroughly enjoying teaching here. I just hope that my teaching career continues here at such a great college for many years to come.”