4 minute read
Teacher Spotlight
Mr Jason O’Malley joined Trinity College in 2017. Originally starting in the Secondary School, he moved to the Junior School in 2019 and soon became a firm favourite of the Junior School students. In 2022 Jason made the switch back to Secondary School and joined the Health and Physical Education Department as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Coordinator. He also recently implemented the new Ignite Award that helps those younger students discover their inner strengths and teaches them how they can make a difference in their local community. Here, we get to know a little more about Mr O’Malley.
Tell us about your teaching journey to Trinity College? Was teaching something you always wanted to do?
My teaching journey before Trinity College had seen me teaching at a variety of other schools both public and private. I went to a Catholic co-ed school called Mercy College and Mr Fritz was actually my Head of Year at the time. When I was growing up, I wanted to be the next AFL star, police officer, fireman and even the next Rex Hunt at one stage. Fortunately, I found an even better job and that was teaching. My passion for teaching stemmed from coaching and helping others be the best versions of themselves.
Has it been a big step from teaching in the Junior School to what you are doing now?
Teaching in the Junior School was an experience I will never forget. The variety of opportunities and fun I had in 6 White gave me an insight into what makes boys ‘tick’ and for me, that was friendly competition. The longer I could keep the boys engaged in my lessons through different ways such as praise, movement, differentiated tasks and acting out scenarios, the more the students were engaged. One fond memory I would like to share is when a couple of students made an impressive water rocket called ‘NASA’ – so powerful it launched into the WACA. Luckily, no one was hurt in the process!
You are currently the Coordinator for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program. Why is a program like this so valuable to the students who get involved?
Every student who has been involved with the Duke of Edinburgh has always shared positive experiences and comments. Whether it be helping in the community or learning a new skill, training for an upcoming competition or even organising an adventure camp with friends, every student has enjoyed it. Not only does it provide a great avenue to get out and about and help others, but it makes you feel good also. Studies have found that acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of wellbeing.
You have also introduced the Ignite Award this year for our younger Trinity students. Can you tell us a little bit about this exciting new program?
The Ignite Award started this term for students in Years 4–6. The award allows students to discover their inner strengths, learn new skills, move beyond their comfort zone, and make a difference in their local community. It is designed around the individual needs of each student, engaging, and empowering them to discover their potential at an earlier age. I am very excited to watch this award flourish in the Junior School and like to thank the Ignite Leaders for their support also.
When people talk about teacher Jason O’Malley from Trinity College many years from now, what would you hope they would say about you and your TC legacy?
This is a good question. I would really like to say ‘funny’ but my students will definitely not tell me that so I would like to think they would say how Mr O’Malley helped them during their time at Trinity; someone who taught them what it meant to be a Man for Others and helped them find their purpose in school, built confidence, and developed strengths in learning and on the sporting field. Most importantly, I’d like each boy to say that Mr O’Malley believed in me and challenged me ‘to be better than I was yesterday’.
If you could take three famous people to dinner, who would you choose and why?
First person I would choose is Jackie Chan, as I loved watching all the movies and TV series as a kid and he would be a good laugh. Second person I would have to take is Barack Obama because of the stories he could share over the time he was President and finally, Dustin Henderson from Stranger Things, as he is just an all-round nice kid with a rare genetic condition that uses his fame to help other charities.
Sport is clearly something you love. If you had to pass on one lesson you have taken away from playing/ coaching sport, what would it be?
One lesson that I have taken away from playing/coaching sport is asking for feedback. The importance to reflect and grow as a player and coach is all up to the individual and if they are willing to accept feedback. Sometimes it’s something you don’t necessarily want to hear but you must always accept it, acknowledge it, reflect on it and work on it. With a growth mindset and a ‘something is better than nothing’ attitude, you will achieve anything you put your mind to. Lastly, ‘hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard’ is my favourite quote.
