Mrs Belinda Walker started her teaching career as a Physical and Health Education teacher in 1984, but when opportunities to co-ordinate VET courses and Round Square at BCGS arose, she jumped at them and never looked back.

I started my teaching career in 1984 at Lynwood Senior High School as a Physical and Health Education (PE) teacher. In 1986 I came to Bunbury Senior High School for my country service, a requirement for all teachers in those days.

I ended up loving my life in Bunbury and marrying another PE teacher at Bunbury Senior High School in 1990. I spent a year teaching in the United Kingdom in 1989 and returned to teach at Collie Senior High School and then Newton Moore Senior High School before starting a family in 1992.

I returned to teaching after my children started school, at Bunbury Senior High School. After a few years I moved into Career Education to avoid the sunshine and rain of a PE teacher and to have more energy at the end of the day for my active children. I was lucky to gain the role of VET Co-ordinator at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School in 2005.

I really enjoy the variety of being the School’s VET Co-ordinator. It is good fun visiting students when they are in the workplace, as often these students are displaying a completely different side of their skills and personality than we see in the classroom. I also get to meet and learn about all sorts of industries. I like learning about the variety of businesses and opportunities within our community and gaining an understanding of what each business does. I appreciate being able to talk to the employees and business owners, so I can better understand the different opportunities we can offer our students.

Many students who choose a Vocational pathway thrive in the practical work environment and have left school directly into an apprenticeship or employment. It is rewarding to see students, who have often struggled with classroom work at School, succeed in the work environment. I really enjoy seeing students who do not flourish in the classroom really thrive in the workplace. When they find an industry that really “lights” them up and there is no holding them back.

In 2011 the opportunity came to take on the role of Round Square Representative for the School. I did not hesitate in taking on this role after enjoying a few experiences with Round Square at Regional and International Conferences as an assistant teacher.

Round Square is such a positive Association to be involved in and the opportunities for students and staff are incredible. The personal growth we see from students who take part in Round Square through exchanges or conferences is immense.

My personal experiences with Round Square have been a huge highlight – I have met some wonderful teachers from all around the world and enjoyed some incredible experiences with many of our fabulous BCGS students.

From being involved in a marine research project in Cuba, to community building projects in Thailand and Sri Lanka, catching overnight sleeper trains in India and camping in Botswana with lions making a kill a few hundred metres from my tent. I have certainly been challenged and rewarded with some life-changing experiences. I am very grateful that I have been able to have these experiences.