Influenced by his teachers at Emmanuel, Thomas Fraser (Class of 2005) is forging a stellar career as an innovative educator. Thomas has taken up the challenge of improving the learning outcomes for all students while continuing to learn, innovate and share his practice with others along the way.

After being shortlisted for Victorian Teacher of the Year in 2014, developing his own literacy system (Re-phrase it) and teaching at Warrnambool Primary School for 5 years, Thomas experienced teaching in Canada.

Thomas hit the headlines in the Edmonton Journal last year after developing a board game called The Bored Game. The Journal reported: “It doesn’t bother Thomas Fraser if his Grade 6 students are bored in class. In fact, the teacher encourages it.

Fraser carves out half an hour each day to give his 34 students at Crestwood elementary-junior high school “the opportunity” to be bored. A student might get a pile of rocks to play with, or some elastics, a stack of paper cups, some dice or coloured toothpicks, a handful of corks and, on some days, nothing.

About four months ago, shortly after Fraser moved to Canada from Australia, he started researching the importance of boredom. It turns out plenty has been written about why periods of boredom to break up busyness are so crucial for curiosity and inventiveness. Instead of running away from boredom, experts say, or mindlessly checking an electronic device, resting in that bored mental space often sparks creativity.

“I’ve never seen a generation like this, in Australia or Canada, that has been so reliant on technology to entertain them, or so reliant on someone to give them something to do,” said Fraser, who has been teaching for six years.”

The Journal also reported that the motivation and problem-solving skills the students have developed through The Bored Game are also transferring to other areas and this is increasing students’ marks and outcomes.

Before his stint in Canada, Thomas published a book entitled “Becoming a Teacher of Language and Literacy” and was acting Principal in the rural school of Myrrhee Primary School near Wangaratta.

When asked about the influence of his teachers at Emmanuel Thomas replied, “I’ve reflected on this question many times. As I have always asked myself, ‘What kind of role model and teacher do I want to be for my students?’ It is hard to pinpoint ’the teachers’ exactly as each and every one of them had inspiring and influential qualities. It was beyond doubt, that the development of the students at Emmanuel College was a collective effort from all the staff and administration. Everywhere I turned, I knew there was a teacher who was willing to reach out and help and guide in any way they could. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such a school where the teachers were so professional, polite, and understanding. It would be unfair to try and mention them in this article as I’m afraid of leaving some out, but I hope they know who they are.”

Thomas has stayed in touch with his Class of 2005 friends, saying, “Social media has made it easy to stay in contact with my old friends. I’ve enjoyed watching them become successful in their chosen careers. I’ve remained in contact with some of my closest friends and we often reminisce about Emmanuel College. For my Year 12 year level of 2005, I wish them the best for their careers and families.”

We asked Thomas what advice he would you give to secondary students who are considering a teaching career? “Every person in this world has talents. As human beings, we pass on talents from one person to another. Some are creative, musical or mathematical. Teaching is a career in where you can impart your skills and knowledge to a younger generation and feel good about it. Imagine setting up your very own classroom. The colours, the resources and table arrangements. You can already visualise the impact you can make to young lives. Teaching is about contributing to the betterment of the world. Sometimes, that one student needs a positive role model to change their life and that role model could be you.

A teaching career offers many opportunities. Every day is different and you have control over the extraordinary way you wish to teach something. You never know, it might even send you around the world.”

On returning from Canada Thomas was approached by Trinity College, a top private school in Adelaide, to take up a position at the College to assist the College to improve its results.