Ms Bindi Jarvis honoured as up-and-coming young education professional in Australia’s K–12 education sector.
The Educator’s annual Rising Star award recognises professionals aged under 35, working in the K-12 education space. It honours individuals who demonstrate effective leadership, innovation and achievement in their career to date. Rising Stars have shown expertise, a drive to make a difference, innovative teaching methods and a clear vision. These are the essential qualities needed to thrive in the ever-changing education landscape.
St Andrew’s Cathedral School is delighted to announce that Ms Belinda (Bindi) Jarvis, Humanities Teacher, has been honoured this year as our very own Rising Star.
Former student, Bindi holds multiple titles at the School. In addition to being a Humanities Teacher, specialising in Modern History, she also teaches Aboriginal Studies. Bindi proudly introduced Aboriginal Studies as a subject in Middle School and is now taking the first group through to the HSC. She works as the Middle Years Project (MYP) Personal Project Co-ordinator. In addition, Bindi has coordinated the School’s annual Year 11 History Tour to Europe for the last three years.
Following the completion of her Master of Teaching, Bindi taught History and Religious Education in London for a number of years. On her return to Australia in 2019 she took a position at St Andrew’s Cathedral School and has never looked back.
Bindi had no qualms about returning to work at the school she attended, now working alongside many of the staff whose teaching had inspired her to make it her own profession.
“When I started at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Year 10, I was one of only 40 girls in my year group. The uniform was different, more like a business suit! I loved all the opportunities that were offered, such as the musicals and sport, and I was a very proud York House captain,” said Bindi.
Bindi’s love for teaching comes from the diversity and dynamism every classroom offers. She continues to look for new opportunities and challenges to refine her skills, with each year group being completely different from the last.
One student highlighted Bindi’s influence on their learning experience:
“I greatly appreciate the quality and effort she puts into lessons…I really enjoy History and I am actually interested in a lot of the content we study,” Tommy said.
Taking on the leadership role for the MYP Personal Project was a big step in Bindi’s flourishing teaching career. Initially she was asked to be a Personal Project (PP) Supervisor in 2019, when the programme was first introduced. Following this experience, she felt inspired to take on the lead role of PP Coordinator. This allowed her to get to know different students, their interests and oversee the exciting and original projects they created. It provided ample opportunities to work with students in different contexts. The additional responsibility has provided Bindi with scope to keep learning and challenging herself – something she actively pursues.
Bindi credits the support of her peers as an ongoing source of strength and inspiration, saying mentorship is invaluable. At many times in her career, she has taken steps outside her comfort zone, following encouragement and prompts from trusted colleagues.
Her advice for other early career teachers is to reach out to those who have experience and maturity in the profession.
“Teachers, by nature are always willing to help, and they want you to succeed – so asking for help and having mentors is invaluable,” said Bindi.
The Educator’s Rising Star Awards were announced on 16 April 2025.
