‘Jimmy Giggle’ of teaching among nation’s best

Ryan Bubner is the ‘Jimmy Giggle’ of teaching, but amid the fun in his class, he takes education very seriously.

Moments of pure joy and laughter are a must every day in Ryan Bubner’s classroom.

The reception teacher at Hahndorf Primary School in South Australia has been described as the “Jimmy Giggle’ of education for his bubbly teaching style, but he takes his role to educate the next generation very seriously.

“He’s always smiley, bubbly, bouncy. You can feel it as well as see it,” principal Ngari Boehm said. “Ryan is a highly motivated teacher, and he’s amazingly considered in his planning. He’s the type of educator that everyone wants for their kids.”

Mr Bubner, 40, is one of 50 teachers across Australia who have nominated and recognised as part of news.com.au’s Australia’s Best Teachers campaign.

In just its second year, the campaign, which recognises and honours teachers while raising their profile and acknowledging their profound influence on both students and the wider community, has seen more than 1420 teachers nominated by peers, students and parents.

In partnership with Officeworks, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools and Teachers Mutual Bank, the campaign has uncovered the heroic actions of some of our most humble teachers.

Their stories include those who keep cups of instant noodles in drawers to feed hungry students, to those running multicultural music, drama and sports programs to inspire inclusivity and others who work with at-risk children to ensure they are safe, happy and can learn at school and open up a brighter future for themselves.

Mr Bubner said he dreams of creating a culture within the school community where even the smallest students are willing to have a go, willing to support other people and develop into the best versions of themselves that they can be.

“It’s about building that culture of positivity, kindness, caring and willingness to try all those things,” he said.

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Ryan Bubner is the ‘Jimmy Giggle’ of teaching, but amid the fun in his class, he takes education very seriously. Source: supplied

On a mission to support students 

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and the teachers at Sacred Heart school in Fitzroy couldn’t agree more.

This band of educators who work at the base of one of Melbourne’s public housing towers have not only welcomed refugee student Hewad Wali and his three siblings into their school, they have worked with local groups to provide his family with a home, jobs and English lessons so they could become a part of the community.

Principal Matthew Shawcross said helping the Wali family who had fled war-torn Afghanistan was at the heart of why his school exists.

“We’ve been around since 1869 starting in the slums of Fitzroy. Our mission has always been around caring for the most vulnerable … and trying to give them a hand up to achieve well in life,” Mr Shawcross said.

Hewad said being invited into the school was a dream come true for him.

“Before I even went there, there were kids playing, smiling and there was no fighting or violence. Everyone was happy together,” Hewad, 12, said.

“I told my Dad, I want to go there for sure. It’s a beautiful school.”

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Teacher lets well-being run its course

Sydney teacher Eliza-Jane Ellis knows that, in the long run, wellness is as important as education for young Australians.

Which is why the 28-year-old teacher has helped devise the Freshie Runners group at Northern Beaches Secondary College Freshwater Senior Campus to provide students with an outlet to exercise and open up to improve their mental health.

Once a week students and teachers gather at 7am for the run and Ms Ellis said it was a powerful mental health tool.

“If a young person is not opening up, taking them for a walk or a jog can change things. They don’t have to look you in the eye to talk, they can focus on something else as they go along the path, but once they start talking it’s a really good thing for their mental health,” she said.

As the coach of the girls’ volleyball and softball teams, Ms Ellis also assists in the running of school carnivals to develop teamwork and leadership skills outside the classroom.

“I think for me as well, I see a different student outside of the classroom. And that’s kind of one of my greatest joys, you can really develop a rapport with these kids,” she said.

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Creating a culture of belonging 

Queensland teacher Nyanyiik (Angelina) Chol has a dream to help her students become “good human beings who are kind to each other” and make a better world.

As a target of racism and hatred during her own childhood at a mostly white school, Ms Chol understands the importance of feeling like you belong. So the English and drama teacher devised a program at Mabel Park High School in Slacks Creek where multiculturalism is celebrated and students from all backgrounds feel accepted.

With 300 participants, the student-led program allows different cultural groups to create and teach dances, songs, and choreography culminating with a sell-out June performance.

“We have our First Nations group, Samoan, Tongan, African nations, Myanmar, Cook Islands, a whole bunch of different cultures,” Ms Chol said.

“When students sign up, we tell them you do not have to identify as that culture to participate, as long as you are respectful and polite, you’ll be accepted wholeheartedly.

“Seeing them be more respectful of each other’s cultures is incredible,” she said.

Campaign supporter HarperCollins is donating book pack prizes to Mr Bubner, Ms Ellis, Sacred Heart school and Ms Chol to acknowledge how they are inspiring children every day.

MEET 50 OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST TEACHERS

Originally published as ‘Jimmy Giggle’ of teaching among nation’s best