Bunbury teacher one of the best

Melinda Golinski has been a teacher for 16 years and throughout her career has worked across the State in both Catholic and independent sectors teaching predominantly junior primary students.

This year, the Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School teacher was recognised as one of Australia’s top educators, winning an ASG National Excellence in Teaching Award.

“From a young age I have always wanted to teach,” she said.

“I used to follow my aunty (who was a teacher) around and help her set up her classrooms and sit in while she taught classes, she was a real role model for me.”

In 2012 Mrs Golinski moved back to Bunbury to teach at BCGS and became the lead teacher for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

“I coordinate a STEM leaders program where I invite teachers from all sectors and I run professional learning sessions to help them develop their confidence in teaching STEM,” she said.

“I’ve been running this free program for three years and in January was fortunate enough to teach at a STEM camp in China alongside other teachers.

“Going to another country and teaching international students the way we teach here in WA is something I never thought I would be able to do.”

The most rewarding part of her job is when children just “get it”.

“I just love watching the young children’s faces when you can see in their eyes that they have just understood what they are learning,” she said.

“Their little faces light up when they get it, it’s a nice feeling.”

After receiving the NEiTA, Mrs Golinski said she was proud that people from across the country were noticing South West WA.

“Teachers never work in isolation,” she said.

“I won this award because of the great colleagues I have and work with on a daily basis who have supported me with all of my endeavours, from my crazy ideas to trying something new.”