Nicci Bridgestock, Kindergarten teacher.
Curiously, it was never my aspiration to become a teacher while I was at Frensham. It was only later, during some downtime, that I began reflecting on how much I had enjoyed school and developed a sense that teaching might suit me.
To explore this idea, I enrolled in a TAFE Childcare Course—and I was totally hooked. Inspired, I went off to university, where I completed both a Diploma of Teaching and a Bachelor of Education.
My teaching journey began at Queenwood Junior School, where I taught K-2 for nearly a decade. It was there I had the pleasure of working with Julie Gillick when she became Head of the Junior School. During this time, I married and later took a break to have three beautiful children.
When I returned to teaching, I worked in both the private and public systems, teaching students from Kindergarten through to Year 6. I even spent a year as a School Librarian. Over the years, I taught in more than ten different schools, each with its own mix of challenges, students, and environments. This experience significantly shaped and refined my teaching skills.
There’s nothing quite like being asked to cover a class with no outline, no timetable, no lesson plans—just walking in blind. I recall one particular day when a neighbouring teacher warned me to “keep the windows closed” because little Johnny might try to jump from the second storey! That day required me to dig deep, relying on every skill and trick I had. Moments like these taught me to find ways to spark an interest in learning, even in the most challenging situations.
Seven years ago, my family and I moved to the Southern Highlands. After a brief period of casual teaching at various local schools, I secured my current position at Frensham Junior School. This role has allowed me to reconnect with a school that has always felt like a constant friend.
A Lifelong Connection to Frensham
My relationship with Frensham began when I first started at Gib Gate as an overseas boarder before moving on to Frensham with my sister. Our parents lived overseas for 18 years, so we travelled back and forth three times a year to see them. Growing up as expats, we lived in Christchurch, Washington D.C., Hong Kong, Singapore, Honolulu, and San Francisco. Constantly moving taught me to make friends quickly, adapt to new environments, and seize every opportunity.
Frensham became a pillar of stability during this time. My father served as a Governor for six years, sat on the Foundation Board for 15 years, and was Chairman of the Board for two years. Later, my own daughters attended Frensham as weekly boarders from Years 7 to 12. My husband also served as a Governor for over six years and is now a Company Member. Together, we joined the Frensham Foundation, and I became part of Fellowship after finishing Year 12, even serving on the Committee for a time.
Teaching at Frensham
In my seven years as a Kindergarten teacher at Frensham Junior School, I’ve never been happier. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a school that fosters a deep love of learning in all students, no matter where their interests lie.
Working alongside such dedicated and exceptional teachers is inspiring. They bring a meticulous understanding of education, paired with genuine empathy, care, and compassion for our students during their most formative years. Together, we create personalised academic programs that target each child’s unique needs and interests, motivating them to learn and succeed.
At Frensham, we focus not only on academic growth but also on instilling values such as kindness, resilience, empathy, and compassion—qualities that define our school’s ethos. Our students thrive in this nurturing environment, learning to make positive contributions to society both now and in the future.
A Privilege and a Joy
Teaching at Frensham is uniquely rewarding. Every day, I have the privilege of guiding curious, hungry minds as they discover new things. Watching their growth, encouraging their progress, and celebrating their successes brings me immense joy.
To be part of a school so deeply committed to the development of its students—both academically and personally—is a rare and special gift. I am endlessly grateful for this journey and for the opportunity to contribute to a community that values the power of education to inspire and uplift.