Bianca Pinto has spent 25 years shaping young minds, and her passion for teaching shows in every classroom she leads. Currently the Instructional Coach and Year 1 teacher at St Paul of the Cross, Dulwich Hill, Bianca’s journey began with the joy and inspiration she experienced as a student herself, where exceptional teachers sparked her love of learning.
Over her long career, Bianca has witnessed countless transformations, from hesitant early readers gaining confidence to students overcoming personal challenges. Her faith guides every aspect of her teaching. She strives to create a classroom where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually, embodying the values of compassion, kindness, and service at the heart of Catholic education.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I absolutely loved going to primary school at St Joseph’s in Belmore, Sydney. I was fortunate to have some of the very best teachers, Anna Grasso, Maureen Hyland, and Donna Anderson, who made learning so joyful and engaging that I couldn’t wait to go back each day. Their classrooms were places of warmth, creativity, fun and high expectations, and they inspired me to always try my best. I’d come home every afternoon and play “teachers” with my little brother, replicating the lessons I’d learned that day. From that early age, I knew I wanted to be a primary school teacher, to create the same kind of magic in the classroom that they did for me.
Can you share a moment in your career where you really felt you made a difference?
After 23 years of teaching at the same primary school, I made the incredibly difficult decision to begin a new chapter at a different school. It was one of the most significant and challenging changes in my professional journey. I had spent almost a lifetime in one community, building deep relationships with families, and even teaching the children of my former students. It was truly special.
At the end of my final year, so many past students came back just to say goodbye and thank me. Each one had their own story to share, moments where they felt I had made a difference, funny memories from the classroom, or times they felt I was the only one on their side. Some of my toughest students brought me to tears with their heartfelt words. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and love, and in that moment, I knew I had truly made a difference in that community. They will always hold a special place in my heart.
Is there a story from your time teaching that has inspired you or had a deep impact on you?
Some of the students who’ve had the deepest impact on me have been the ones who took weeks, sometimes even whole terms, to build a relationship with. These were the students who needed a cheerleader in their corner, someone who would take the time to understand them, listen to their story, and figure out how they learn best. Once that trust was built, the transformation was incredible. Their confidence grew, their learning flourished, and they knew I had their back.
Those moments, when a student finally lets you in and begins to thrive, stay with me. I still think about those particular students and hope they’ve found new champions to continue cheering them on. They’ve inspired me to always lead with patience, empathy, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential.
Can you share a moment when you saw a student’s confidence or skills transform and felt that your teaching had made a lasting difference?
I’ve taught Kindergarten for many years in my career, and every year I witness something truly amazing, children who arrive not knowing their letters or sounds begin to read. Watching that transformation unfold never gets old. As their confidence grows and they start reading their little readers, finding joy and meaning in the words, it gives me goosebumps every time. There’s almost nothing better than listening to them read aloud and seeing the pride on their faces. That journey, from tentative sounds to fluent reading, is one of the most inspiring parts of teaching, and it reminds me of the lasting impact we can have on a child’s life.
How does your faith shape your teaching approach?
My faith is at the heart of how I teach. It guides me to see each child as unique, capable, and deeply loved. I strive to create a classroom where every student feels safe, valued, and supported, not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually. My faith reminds me to lead with compassion, patience, and hope, especially in moments when students need someone to believe in them. It also inspires me to model kindness, forgiveness, and service in everyday interactions, helping children grow not only in knowledge but in character. Teaching in a Catholic school allows me to share these values openly and weave them into the fabric of our learning community.
What’s the most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school?
For me, the most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school is being able to teach Religion and live out the values I share with my students every day. I love that we can celebrate Mass together, reflect on the teachings of Jesus, and weave those lessons into so many parts of our day, whether it’s through stories, prayer, or the way we treat one another. Teaching kindness, forgiveness, empathy, and love, and being able to connect those values back to Jesus, is incredibly special. One of my favourite moments is when my little people say, “This is what Jesus would do!” It’s a beautiful reminder that they’re not just learning, they’re living their faith.
What do you think is the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society?
Catholic education plays a vital role in shaping not just minds, but hearts. We’re teaching the next generation about the importance of loving one another, treating everyone we meet with kindness and respect, and living with empathy and compassion. In a world that can often feel fast-paced and disconnected, Catholic schools offer a grounding in values that truly matter, forgiveness, service, and dignity for all. We help our students become good stewards of the world around them, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Whether it’s through daily interactions, celebrating Mass, or weaving Gospel values into our lessons, we’re nurturing children to grow into thoughtful, faith-filled individuals who strive to make a positive difference in their communities. It’s a privilege to be part of that mission.