Cairns Post subscribers vote Our Lady Help of Christians Year 5 teacher, Ben Wilkins, best in Far North
A Cairns teacher who fell in love with the tropics after a five-year teaching stint in central London has been voted the Far North’s best educator. SEE THE FINAL TOP 5
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A CAIRNS teacher who fell in love with the tropics after teaching in London has been voted the Far North’s best educator by Cairns Post subscribers.
Year 5 teacher Ben Wilkins, from Our Lady Help of Christians School, said he was “a bit lost for words” after receiving the recognition following his six year tenure at the Earlville catholic primary school.
He moved to Cairns after a five-year stint in the London borough of Islington, saying he instantly fell in love with the city, its people and his students.
“I thought you were joking at first but the kids had been chatting about it at school,” he said.
“A couple of parents mentioned they had nominated me so to be voted in is really nice.
“The school has such nice atmosphere.”
Mr Wilkins, 35, said the lifestyle afforded in the Far North meant he would not be returning to his native UK.
He became a father for the first time six months ago.
“I came over here on a working holiday and have never left,” he said. “The lifestyle, the people, it’s just a different ball game.”
When asked what made him the best teacher in Cairns, Mr Wilkins said it was his unassuming education style.
“I think the kids enjoy my style within the learning environment we have in place,” he said.
“We all work in well together.”
The Cairns Post received hundreds of nominations for FNQ’s best teacher before readers voted on a shortlist of finalists.
TOP FIVE FNQ TEACHERS
1. Ben Wilkins (Year 5, OLHOC)
2. Lia Jensen (6A, Edge Hill State School)
3. Jo Burkett (3E, Edge Hill State School)
4. Mr Ish Pett (Year 6, Holy Cross, Trinity Park)
5. Melissa Pavey (Prep F, St Therese’s school, Bentley Park)
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Originally published as Cairns Post subscribers vote Our Lady Help of Christians Year 5 teacher, Ben Wilkins, best in Far North
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