Volunteer work isn’t part of his job, but for Marian College teacher Chris Fenech it’s just another way to help others in society.
While his days are mainly filled teaching maths and physical education to girls in years 8 to 11, another important role he’s chosen to take on is helping out at the Footscray soup van, working alongside like-minded students.
“There’s a strong community philosophy in the school,” Mr Fenech says.
“Students are encouraged to think about social well-being and get involved with what’s happening outside school with projects such as volunteering for St Vinnie’s or working with migrants.”
Over his 24-plus years of teaching experience, a lot has changed, even in the four he’s spent at Marian College in Sunshine West, he says.
“Kids’ behaviours have changed. They’re more internet-savvy, and some are ahead of their time — they’re 13 or 15 but consider themselves much older.
“Social media is a concern now with more kids spending time on the computer socialising rather than doing homework and online bullying is another issue they face.”
More than 800 girls attend the Catholic high school and one way of drawing them away from social media has been through the school’s bike club, started by Mr Fenech.
“Some girls are now riding their bikes to school and even riding on weekends. It’s great to see them getting out there and really enjoying it.”
He says working with the girls has kept him young. “I really enjoy working with the students. It’s great to have an input into their future and help mould them. If we can teach the girls good habits now, when they leave it will have a positive flow-on effect to the rest of society.”
Mr Fenech says people looking to teach need to be thick-skinned. “The kids can be very demanding, so you need to be resilient. And staying motivated and feeling a connectedness with the students is important.
“Media reports can cause our society to stereotype teenagers. My experience in teaching, especially at Marian College, is that there are lots of passionate students. It’s all about tapping into the individual’s awareness and nurturing their passions.”
— Rebecca Miller
