Meet Assistant Principal, Rebecca Fry 

Rebecca Fry is an experienced primary educational leader and a believer in lifelong learning.  As Assistant Principal at Hume Anglican Grammar’s Donnybrook Campus, she’s focused on instilling a love of learning in students and helping to set them up for future success.

We spoke to Rebecca to find out more.
—

What motivated you to become a teacher? 

When I finished Year 12, I had a lot of different interests and was not sure which career path to pursue. I considered teaching, psychology, nursing, and even criminology. Ultimately, I decided to pursue a double degree in Education and Arts where I could explore both teaching and psychology. 

As I progressed through my studies, I began to see the incredible impact that teachers can have on their students. Witnessing those ‘Aha’ moments when students make connections, building strong relationships with students and their families, and being a positive role model within the community all made me realise that teaching was the right choice for me. I feel incredibly fulfilled knowing that I'm making a difference in the lives of young people every day.

What do you love most about your job as Assistant Principal at Hume Anglican Grammar?

I’ve been working as an educator since 2004 and joined Hume Anglican Grammar at the Mt Ridley Campus in 2009. Over the years, I've held various roles, including Head of Curriculum and Assistant Head of Junior School. I have also taught core subjects like Maths and English, as well as Technology, Drama, and Physical Education. In 2018, I became Assistant Principal at the new Donnybrook Campus which opened in 2019, which has been a great opportunity for me to develop my leadership skills and explore new avenues while continuing to work with a school that I'm passionate about. 

What motivates you as an educator?

I find it extremely fulfilling to be able to positively impact the community around me. Witnessing the look of satisfaction on a child's face when they understand a complex concept is truly priceless. I am passionate about creating a learning environment that is relevant to real life situations, making learning meaningful and enjoyable for my students. 

I believe that student wellbeing should be at the forefront of every educational institution. It’s crucial for students to feel safe, comfortable, and be able to express themselves freely in order to build their knowledge and confidence. When students are happy and content, they are more likely to learn, grow, and achieve to their fullest potential. 

There’s a wonderful quote by Rita Pierson that I think sums it up beautifully: 
“Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.”

What are your hopes and goals for the kids under your care? 

As an educator my goal is to create a learning environment that fosters a love for learning and discovery in a safe and comfortable setting. It is important for students to have a positive mindset towards learning, to be resilient, and to strive for excellence in all aspects of their education. By providing a secure environment that encourages self-expression, we can help students achieve their full potential. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that our students have the best possible outcomes and make a positive impact on their lives and the wider community.  

What things do you still love learning?

I believe it’s crucial to take a break and reflect on our lives. It’s essential to embrace the things that bring us joy and make us feel alive. Personally, I enjoy attending musicals as they reignite my passion for music and remind me of the importance of engaging in activities that bring us happiness. I also have a keen interest in reading and always have a few books on the go, ranging from leadership and student books to wellbeing and educational ones. This helps me to stay informed and allows me to broaden my horizons. 

Was there a teacher that made a big impact on your life? 

The teacher who had the biggest impact on me was my music teacher. She was an incredible mentor who had high but realistic expectations, was patient with me, and motivated me to be the best I could be. Today as a teacher, I still feel inspired by her example and strive to emulate her teachings. I believe that by doing so, I can also positively impact the lives of my students, just as she did for me.