Hi! I’m a primary school teacher from Ireland and have been teaching for the last four years. I just moved to Sydney at the end of August. I’m the youngest of five children in my family so I have lots of nieces and nephews that I love looking after. I’m known as fun Aunty Orla at home! Most of my experience teaching has been with younger children, specifically aged 4-7 years old. I’ve also had experience working in a special needs unit. During the summer months and school holidays at home, I provided child-minding services with a family of three kids between the ages of 2-10 years old. I have also worked in after school clubs and summer camps with children of all ages!
I completed courses in college for teaching in a special needs unit. I have experience teaching children with diverse needs, providing tailored support to help them thrive.
I have been working in childcare for over eight years. Whether through formal teaching or casual child minding, I have learned how important it is to provide a safe, supportive environment for children. Working with children requires patience and a deep sense of empathy which has helped me form strong bonds with the children under my care. What I find most rewarding about working with children is witnessing their growth - both academically and emotionally. Each milestone, whether it’s a new skill learned or a newfound confidence, is a reflection of their hard work and my support. I love the energy and curiosity that children bring to every situation. Helping them overcome challenges fosters a deep sense of fulfillment in my work.
During my teaching experience in Ireland, I supported students through a structured homework club program for three years. This role involved building children through their daily assignments, ensuring they understood the material, and helping them develop effective study habits. By offering individualised attention and instruction, I helped them not only complete their homework but also gain a stronger grasp of the curriculum. Working in this environment required a deep understanding of various subjects, particularly numeracy and literacy. It also required the ability to tailor explanations to meet each student’s unique learning style.