Why one Newman Primary School teacher returned home to inspire the next generation

With the school year underway there are a number of new faces around Newman Primary School, and while many are unfamiliar, one former NPS student will look to use his days as a pupil as inspiration as he takes on the role of teacher. Coming full circle with his education journey and coming back to the town where he was raised, Ben O’Neill will this year return to Newman High School to take on a role as year two teacher. The 23-year-old spent his formative primary school years in the town and said he was passionate about inspiring the next generation of young Newmanites to achieve their dreams. “Teaching has always been a passion, and to be back where it all started feels right,” he said. “It is quite a surreal feeling walking through the school as a teacher instead of a student. When you’re only so many metres off the ground, you think everything looks fantastic, so being back and reliving many of my fondest memories as an adult is nostalgic. “I loved growing up in Newman, and I wouldn’t have had the experience I did if it wasn’t for the amazing teachers who supported and nurtured me over the years. So, I want to continue their legacy and ensure I can do the same for other children.” Ben has returned as part of the ___ program, which aims to give graduate teachers experience in regional Western Australia and expose them to the challenges faced in remote communities. Mr O’Neill said he was inspired to teach in regional WA after seeing the disadvantages faced by regional students when compared to their city counterparts. “Being a teacher in regional Western Australia is important because you’re essentially the driving force that ensures a child is given every possible opportunity. Students in regional locations have different experiences than those in metropolitan areas, so it is our job to provide them with relevant and contextual learning,” he said. “It takes someone passionate about cultivating young learners to prepare detailed lessons, create an inviting learning environment, and find and make resources. Families are often hesitant to move to regional locations as they believe metropolitan areas provide better teaching and learning, and I want to ensure they don’t feel this way. “I love the small country town feel in Newman where everyone is friendly and supportive of one another. It’s easy to get lost in Perth, but you really feel valued and appreciated by a small community that wants you to succeed.”