Lindsey Fitzgerald’s Global Journey to Empowering Young Girls
From her early days as a neighbourhood babysitter to teaching across three continents, Year 5 teacher, Lindsey Fitzgerald has always been driven by a deep love for learning and connection. With a vibrant career spanning the UK, the Middle East and now Australia, she brings a rich mix of experience, curiosity and compassion to her classroom.
In this staff spotlight, she shares her journey into education, her passion for empowering young girls, and the joyful, creative energy she brings to Year 5 every day.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
From an early age, I was drawn to working with children. I was the local babysitter in my community and always enjoyed helping younger kids learn and play. During high school, I completed my first work placement in a primary school, and that experience confirmed my passion for teaching. I knew then that education was the path I wanted to pursue. With my mum working as a teaching assistant, I also grew up with a strong connection to schools and the joy of helping students thrive.
Tell us about your journey to Santa Maria College?
I taught in the UK for 11 years in a co-educational setting, beginning as a full-time Key Stage 2 teacher before moving into the role of Inclusion Lead. In that position, I focused on supporting students with special educational needs and worked closely with teachers and families to assist some of the most vulnerable children. After that, my husband and I decided to relocate overseas, and I spent two years teaching in Muscat. There, I became a Phase Leader, which opened new opportunities to mentor and support international teachers. The school offered both the Arabic and British curricula, and it was my first experience teaching in single-gender settings – teaching both all-boys and all-girls classes. This international experience eventually led me to Australia, where I’ve continued working with girls, something I find incredibly rewarding. Living and teaching in Australia has been a long-time dream, and being part of the SMC community these past six years truly feels like the cherry on top.
What do you love most about teaching Year 5 students?
Within our context, I take great pride in nurturing the new members of the College community, helping them feel settled, supported, and happy in their new environment. I particularly enjoy this stage of schooling, as it’s a time when students are developing greater independence and confidence. My focus is on empowering them to achieve their personal best, both socially and academically. It’s a wonderful stepping stone to Year 6, and I feel privileged to play a part in their final chapter of primary school.
How would you describe your classroom environment?
My classroom is a joyous place, filled with laughter, learning, and a strong belief that mindset matters. The community I create is grounded in connection, creativity, and genuine care for one another. I want every student to feel free to be themselves, to flourish, and to take pride in supporting and celebrating each other’s achievements. As a learner, I’m naturally kinaesthetic and visual, and I bring that same energy into my teaching. If you were to step into our classroom, you’d find us engaged in collaborative, hands-on learning experiences, full of rich discussion, curiosity, and opportunities to challenge each other to think beyond the obvious.
How do you encourage creativity and curiosity in your students?
I continually challenge myself to be creative and take risks as both a teacher and a learner, striving to model these values for my students. Each day, my goal is to create a classroom environment that fosters high engagement and a sense of wonder. I find great joy in giving students the freedom to express themselves, offering choices in how they share their thinking and demonstrate their understanding. Their imagination and creativity never cease to amaze me; they consistently draw on their individual strengths in inspiring ways.
My journey in embracing inquiry-based learning has deepened this approach even further. I’ve seen my students grow increasingly confident in generating their own questions and taking ownership of their learning. I often remind them that I don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay, because learning is about curiosity and discovery. We explore ideas together, and those shared moments of wonder and conversation are what make teaching so rewarding. Every day is different, and I love the unpredictability of where my students’ curiosity will lead us next.
How do you use innovation or technology to enhance learning?
I still remember arriving in Australia and discovering OneNote for the first time, now I’m completely hooked! It’s such a powerful platform for creating a central hub of resources and for connecting students in meaningful, collaborative learning. I also love exploring digital tools like Adobe and, more recently, AI software to find new and creative ways to approach tasks and enhance learning opportunities.
I make it a priority to stay current, embrace innovation, and never shy away from trying something new. Often, my students introduce me to tools or ideas I haven’t yet explored, and we navigate the learning together, which I think is such a valuable part of modern education. Ongoing reflection on my teaching practice helps me continually grow and adapt. I enjoy mixing things up, experimenting with new strategies, and creating fresh experiences for both my students and myself.
How do you stay inspired and continue developing as an educator?
I see myself not just as an educator, but as a lifelong learner. I’m passionate about professional growth and love engaging in professional development that challenges and inspires me. In the past, I’ve particularly enjoyed exploring Purposeful Pedagogies, and more recently, completing a Kath Murdoch Inquiry course, which reignited my passion for inquiry-based learning and provided fresh strategies to embed in the classroom. Currently, I’m studying at Curtin University, further exploring the Power of Inquiry to deepen my understanding and practice. Education is constantly evolving, and I’m committed to evolving with it so I can be the best teacher for my students.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not at school?
I’m a very active person who loves keeping fit through the gym and Pilates, and I spend as much time outdoors as I can, whether it’s cycling, hiking, or going for a run. I’m absolutely obsessed with sunsets. They’re truly spectacular here in Perth! Since moving here, I’ve also developed a love for exploring local vineyards and escaping to Margaret River whenever I get the chance. I make the most of every school holiday to travel and explore new places. I have a real passion for seeing as much of the world as possible.
What’s something your students might be surprised to learn about you?
Students are often surprised to discover that I can still pull off a few gymnastics moves. They’re always impressed when I do a cartwheel or handstand! I loved gymnastics as a child and don’t think I’ll ever stop cartwheeling. Another fun fact that sparks curiosity is that I’m vegan. This often leads to great conversations and becomes a valuable opportunity to remind students never to shy away from asking thoughtful questions, doing their own research, and forming their own understanding of the world.
If you could take your students anywhere in the world for a learning adventure, where would it be and why?
I’d love to visit one of the world’s Blue Zones, those remarkable places where people live longer, healthier lives and many reach 100 years or more. I’ve always been fascinated by their lifestyles and the habits that contribute to such longevity. It would be incredible for students to learn from these communities too. I’d be so curious to hear the kinds of questions they’d want to ask! Personally, I’d love to discover their secrets and reflect on what we could all be doing differently to live happier, more balanced, and fulfilling lives.
Whether Lindsey is guiding her students through a hands-on inquiry project, joining in a cartwheel on the lawn, or exploring new tech tools alongside her class, her love for teaching shines through. She models exactly what she hopes her students will become – curious, confident and kind learners, ready to embrace challenges with a sense of wonder.
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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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