For Aimee Bodley, teaching is more than a profession, it’s a vocation. With 21 years in education, including the past five in leadership, the Assistant Principal at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, Kedron, has dedicated her career to helping young people grow in faith, confidence and character. Inspired by the teachers who believed in her, Aimee is passionate about creating supportive learning environments where every student feels valued. In this Q & A, she shares the experiences that have shaped her journey, the role faith plays in her leadership, and why she believes Catholic education makes a lasting difference in the lives of students and their families.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Many of the teachers who guided me throughout my own schooling inspired me to pursue teaching. They took the time to support and encourage me, made learning engaging, and helped me believe in my ability to succeed. Their encouragement gave me confidence and sparked my desire to make a similar difference in the lives of young people.
Can you share a moment in your career where you really felt you made a difference?
One of the most meaningful moments in my career was when the parent of one of my Prep students thanked me at the end of the year for teaching Religion. She shared that she had seen a genuine growth in her son’s faith and understanding of God throughout the year. Knowing that I had played a part in nurturing not only a child’s faith journey, but also positively influencing his family, was incredibly humbling.
Is there a story from your time teaching that has inspired you or had a deep impact on you?
One aspect of teaching that I am deeply passionate about is helping students develop resilience through prayer and contemplation. While teaching Year 3, I began each day with prayer and simple breathwork exercises.
On the day of our athletics carnival, one of my students became overwhelmed and anxious. His twin brother had outperformed him in every race, and he was visibly disappointed. He quietly entered the classroom, removed himself from the group and sat alone in our reading corner. When I went to check on him, he explained that he had chosen that space so he could practise the breathing techniques we had learned together and calm himself down. Within a few minutes, he had regained his composure and was ready to rejoin his classmates.
Watching an eight-year-old independently draw on those strategies reminded me that some of the most important learning we teach extends far beyond the classroom and can support students’ faith, wellbeing and resilience throughout their lives.
How does your faith shape your teaching approach?
My faith guides every aspect of my vocation as an educator and leader. It reminds me of the inherent dignity of each person and the importance of responding to others with compassion, respect and hope. Whether I am working with students, staff or families, I strive to reflect God’s love through my words, actions and relationships.
What’s the most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school?
The most rewarding aspect of teaching in a Catholic school is being able to integrate faith into everyday learning and relationships. At St Anthony’s, our Catholic identity is lived out through our Franciscan values of Reverencing Creation, Joy, Respect, Contemplation and Shared Responsibility. Seeing students embrace these values in the way they care for one another, reflect on their actions and contribute to their community is incredibly rewarding. It allows us to nurture not only successful learners, but young people of faith, character and compassion.
What do you think is the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society?
Catholic education plays a vital role in forming people of faith, compassion and service. My experience working in a secular school setting further strengthened my calling to be part of Catholic education and its mission.
In a rapidly changing world, Catholic schools provide communities where values are lived, relationships are nurtured and hope is fostered. We help young people understand that they are deeply valued, called to serve others and capable of making a positive difference in the world. As St Francis reminds us, our actions often speak louder than our words, and Catholic education offers daily opportunities to witness the Gospel through both.