Dom Wright is a Mathematics and Health and Physical Education teacher at St Columba’s College, Essendon, with seven years of teaching experience across Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia. Passionate about lifelong learning, student wellbeing and outdoor education, he is committed to helping young people build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of purpose. NCEC spoke with Dom about his teaching journey, the impact of Catholic education and the experiences that continue to inspire his work.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My inspiration to teach is still influenced by meaningful experiences, life-long learning and social justice. The combination of such, strengthens my ability to foster strong relationships, add depth for understanding and guide curiosity. My earliest sign of a career in education was as a student in Outdoor Leadership (VCE). Opportunities presented allowed for autonomous and collective achievement which reinforced the idea of combining my passion for life-long learning with meaningful experiences into a career. To consolidate this choice, I spent time working in Lake Tahoe at a summer camp, and on return began a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education. My passion to influence students and empower holistic development, confidence and resilience is at the core of my approach to ensure each day, students, and I, experience a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Can you share a moment in your career where you really felt you made a difference?
While working in Tasmania, I was part of a Year 9 team at a standalone campus which offers a ‘small school community experience’ and a strong focus on building a solid foundation of independence, individuality and identity. A year-long positive education program I facilitated (The Rite Journey), allowed me to work closely with Year 9 students through a modern transition into adulthood focusing on four key relationships: with self, with others, with spirit, and with the world.
My involvement to be a mentor and role-model in this process allowed students to gain an understanding of themselves by exploring self-identity and the expectations placed on them by society, their role in relationships, and to reflect on some of the deeper aspects of life. Guiding this rite of passage was very rewarding, to see a transition of maturity and resilience that prompted students to consider their future, what they have to offer the world and what calls them to responsibility.
Being able to set these students up with leadership, intentions, kindness and gratitude is a memorable experience that I reflect on often to motivate and uphold my commitment to teach and inspire.
Is there a story from your time teaching that has inspired you or had a deep impact on you?
My passion for teaching and learning is heavily driven by co-curricular. The most meaningful learning experiences for me occur beyond the classroom where students are challenged to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership in authentic settings. Through facilitating and involvement in numerous sporting competitions, camps, outreach programs and events, the shared joy and success of student achievement is unmatched to orchestrated experiences.
One of the most memorable moments I had was coaching a Year 12 volleyball team who were amateurs- this factor did not at all impact their enthusiasm to experience success. An infectious mateship led them close to a state victory, and despite not finishing on top, reinforced to me that success is measured not only by results, but by growth, perseverance, and the relationships formed along the way. All of which underpin my teaching philosophy.
How does your faith shape your teaching approach?
My values shape my teaching approach through a commitment to social justice, resilience, and personal responsibility. Faith-based values such as compassion, service, dignity, and respect for others closely align with my belief that every student deserves equitable opportunities to learn, grow and succeed. I am a strong advocate for developing moral character which complements my involvement in co-curricular activities and programs such as The Rite Journey, as mentioned.
What’s the most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school?
The most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school is being part of a community that places a strong emphasis on values, relationships, and service to others. I appreciate the focus on developing the whole person, not just academically, but also socially, morally, and emotionally. Being able to help students develop resilience, responsibility, and a genuine sense of care for others is incredibly rewarding and gives purpose to my work. Having worked in three different Catholic schools across Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia, this theme is consistent and creates a shared understanding of the values that underpin Catholic education- particularly a commitment to the holistic development of students.
What do you think is the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society?
The most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society is its ability to form young people who are grounded in strong values. In a rapidly changing and often divided world, Catholic education provides a consistent moral framework that emphasises dignity and compassion. Combined, these two characteristics foster stronger communities and guide ethical decision making which ensure everyone can not only experience success individually but also contribute positively to the wellbeing of others.