After 24 years at PBC, Mr Shane Roberts remains one of the steady, influential figures shaping both students and staff.
Next year, he steps into the role of Head of Department (Organisational Capability) in 2026, continuing his long contribution to the school community.
What inspired your journey into education, and what have you enjoyed most throughout your career?
I actually began university wanting to be a physiotherapist, but I didn’t achieve the score I needed. I enrolled in a feeder degree that included education, and one lecturer—who spoke with incredible passion about the impact teachers can have—completely changed my direction. From that point, the classroom became one of my happy places.
What motivates me most are the people at PBC. Knowing I can make a difference in even one student’s life gets me out of bed each day. Some of the most rewarding moments are when former students share where their lives have taken them and how their time at PBC shaped who they’ve become.
How would you describe your teaching style, and how do you keep students engaged?
I’d describe my teaching style as casual, relational and a little sarcastic. Building rapport matters to me. I keep students engaged by listening to them—really listening—and hearing their stories. When I enjoy teaching, they tend to enjoy learning. And every time a student shows growth, no matter how small, it reminds me exactly why I do this work.
What do you value most about working at PBC?
The quality of the staff here is exceptional. Everyone genuinely tries to do the best job they can, and that collective intent creates a strong culture. I also really enjoy having a CARE class and working with the CARE program. It gives me a chance to support students more personally and consistently.
What are some fun insights or things people might not know about you?
People are often surprised to learn that I never studied HPE at school. And if I weren’t a teacher, I’d still be teaching something, somewhere. It’s just who I am.
What advice has guided you, and how has teaching shaped you?
The best advice I’ve ever received is: Respond, don’t react. It’s something I’d also tell my first-year-teacher self. Teaching has helped me better understand individual differences and appreciate that everyone brings their own story and experiences to the classroom.
As for the legacy I hope to leave, it’s simple: that my students felt comfortable being their authentic selves.
If you could share a dinner conversation with anyone, who would it be?
Marcus Aurelius. I’d love to talk to him about the influence of stoicism on his character development and leadership.