Faith, Fatherhood & Fast Bowling with Derek Smith
From the farm paddocks of Bremer Bay to the classrooms of Santa Maria College, Religious Education teacher, Derek Smith brings a unique blend of real-world perspective, rural wisdom, and heartfelt humour to his work. We sat down with Derek to learn more about his journey to SMC, what fatherhood has taught him, and the surprising influence of cricket on the classroom.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey to Santa Maria?
I grew up on my family’s farm just outside Bremer Bay on WA’s South Coast. That upbringing gave me a huge appreciation for nature, hard work, and what many of our boarding students experience. My first real connection with Santa Maria was when my sister boarded here from 2003 to 2007. As a boarder myself at Aquinas, we often had socials with Santa, including the famous Year 10 Dancing Lessons!
My first teaching experience at Santa was as a uni prac student in 2015. However, I didn’t officially start working here until 2020, when I joined as a full-time Religious Education teacher.
Was teaching always on your radar?
Not at all! After high school I started a Sports Science degree but dropped out after a year. I went back to the farm and spent some time figuring out what I wanted. I’ve always loved learning and reading, so teaching, especially English, started to make sense. At Notre Dame, I picked up Religious Education as a second teaching area. I started out mainly teaching English but moved into full-time RE when I returned to Santa.
How do you like to spend your weekends?
With a toddler at home, most of my downtime involves exploring parks and playgrounds around Perth and watching Paw Patrol and Bluey! Life’s busy but full of joy. I try to visit the farm whenever I can too.
You have got a passion for cricket – tell us more!
I’ve played cricket since I was a kid, literally in paddocks, the shearing shed, even a backyard pitch we built on the farm. Mum was actually the cricket fan in our house, which surprises a lot of people!
These days, I play at the Cockburn Cricket Club as a fast bowler. I love the challenge of the game, figuring out how to outsmart a batter, dealing with pressure, and pushing yourself physically and mentally. But more than that, it’s the friendships and memories that keep me coming back.
Has sport shaped your approach to teaching?
Absolutely. Sport teaches resilience and how to handle failure, two things we don’t always welcome in the classroom. In cricket, you’re constantly getting feedback and learning how to bounce back. I try to bring that mindset into my teaching: learning is messy, and that’s okay.
What has fatherhood taught you?
So much! My son Benjamin is almost two, and he’s taught me the beauty of living in the moment. Whether I’ve had a great day or a challenging one, he’s always thrilled to see me, and that instantly shifts my perspective. I’ve also learned to appreciate the little wins. Parenthood has made me more patient and present, which I think carries into my teaching too.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a proud Brisbane Lions fan, even though I’m WA born and bred. I picked them when I was a kid just because I thought lions were cool! I was lucky enough to take Ben and my wife Steph to a game during Gather Round last year… and we even got to celebrate a grand final win. Fingers crossed we go back-to-back this year (though I know saying that might jinx it!).
Lessons On and Off the Field
Derek Smith brings more than subject knowledge to Santa Maria, he brings perspective, heart and humour. Whether he is teaching Religious Education, sharing a love of cricket, or chasing after his toddler, Derek lives the Mercy values in everything he does.
We are proud to have educators like Derek who connect learning to life and lead with compassion, curiosity and care.
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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