Meet Ms Bec Schatz, one of our dedicated educators who brings passion, care and a wealth of experience to our school community.
With a background in professional basketball and dietetics, Ms Schatz combines her love of sport, health and education to create a dynamic learning environment. She values the students, colleagues and beautiful location of our school, and is committed to fostering resilience, curiosity and personal growth in every student she teaches.
What’s your favourite thing about working at this school?
The first three things that come to mind in no order are the students, the location and the colleagues, they make it feel less like a job and more like a community. Location speaks for itself; I often get to do a lesson at the creek or beach, instantly bringing gratitude and positive emotions. My colleagues are very supportive and collaborative creating a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose. I have been fortunate to learn my craft from some of the best teachers, and nine years in I am still learning and growing. Lastly, the students continue to be a source of joy. Joy for me is seeing those small but authentic moments – when something finally clicks, eagerness in sharing ideas or stories, an unexpected student volunteers an answer, improved motivation and participation in activities, and when a student sees you in public and says hi, they recognise that their teacher is a normal person in everyday society.
How would you describe your teaching style?
In simple terms, tough love. I like to have high expectations and hold students accountable, but I do it from a place of care and belief in their potential. I am firm when needed because I want my students to grow, I believe it can build resilience and character and put them on the path to reaching their potential. At the end of the day, it is about earning their respect by being kind, consistent, fair and genuinely invested in their development.
What’s a memorable moment or success story from your teaching career?
A memorable time for me was coaching the senior girls’ basketball teams between 2017 - 2022. Most notable moments, 2018 excursion to Melbourne getting to play high level basketball, watch the Boomers at Marvel Stadium and shopping at Chadstone. And, coming 2nd in a nailbiter at the Championships Basketball Schools Queensland competition in 2020. Although not first, it felt like it as the girls exceeded expectations, played their best basketball and learnt a lot about themselves along the way, as did I. We currently have 2 girls from this group playing at an international and national level. Ella Brow plays for the NZ Tall Ferns and Indi Bowyer plays in the WNBL for the UC Capitals.
If you weren’t a teacher, what career would you have chosen?
Teaching is my 3rd career choice and the one I feel most at home with. Prior to this I played basketball professionally for the AIS and Townsville Fire in the WNBL, but injury caused a career change. I then became a dietitian, working in private practise educating the community on managing chronic diseases. Teaching allows me to put all my passions across the years into one profession: basketball, health and education.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of teaching?
My hobbies and interests are ocean swimming, sport and family and friends. Ocean swimming is a fantastic way to start the day – sunrise, marine life, and a raised heart rate all followed by coffee with friends. I like to follow basketball and rugby. I keep up to date with the NBA, WNBL, WNBA as I still have a lot of ex-teammates and friends playing in these competitions. Family and friends are high on the value list, a support network is essential to get through the challenges life throws you, so weekends and milestones are socialising with them.
How has teaching changed you as a person?
In the first few years of teaching the most notable change for me was my personal growth in being compassionate. I am in daily contact with individuals that are navigating a variety of challenges highlighting the fact that everyone has their own story. This allows you to look beyond behaviours or achievement grades and become an active participant in supporting one’s wellbeing through helping them feel seen, valued and capable.