Spotlight on Alumni students who are now BDC staff - Part 2

Bec Hyland attended BDC from Years 7 to 10 (2010 - 2013). She gained employment with the college in March 2024, undertaking a role in administration and student services.

Describe your experience of returning to BDC as a staff member: Honestly, at first it was such a strange feeling, definitely nostalgic! Even the certain smells of rooms reminds me of times in class with friends, learning from teachers that I now call colleagues which is such a unique feeling. It's amazing to see what goes on behind the scenes and how much effort teachers and staff apply to each student, which you certainly don't appreciate as much when you're a young teenager!

Josh Jeremy attended BDC from year 8 in 2011 through to HSC in 2015. He started working at BDC in 2021 as a teacher's aide. Since then has fulfilled many roles as a casual teacher, primary and secondary school teacher. Josh is currently employed as a full time music teacher.

Describe your experience of returning to BDC as a staff member: To start with, there was definitely cognitive dissonance chatting to my ex teachers on a first name basis as well as being at the front of classrooms that I once was learning in. I think it also triggered a recurring dream I seem to have of being in the back of Ms Bain's English class learning about King Henry VIII (who knows how to unpack that one!). Once I got used to hearing something along the lines of "you're supposed to be sitting in front of me not standing next to me; this makes me feel old!", I realised that BDC is the place it is because of the people that have put in so much over so many years. I get to work with and learn from such dedicated and passionate educators and get the chance to give back to the place that gave me so many opportunities.

Grace Koster attended BDC from Kindergarten to Year 12 (2006–2018) 2025 is her first year teaching at BDC, she is currently teaching Year 5.

Describe your experience of returning to BDC as a staff member: Returning to BDC as a teacher has been a full-circle moment. Having spent such a significant part of my life at this school, it holds countless cherished memories. From the moment I decided to pursue a career in education, my goal was always to teach at BDC. I truly believe in the BDC way and its positive impact on students.
Transitioning from student to teacher has been an adjustment, especially with many of my former teachers still playing key roles at the college. Now, I have the privilege of learning from them in a new capacity, and I am incredibly grateful for their continued support. I hope to make all my past teachers proud as I grow into the educator I aspire to be at BDC.

Tom Sweeney attended BDC from Year 2 to Year 12 (2010-2020). He started working at BDC in 2022, he has had a variety of roles, including Aboriginal education officer, LRC/LSC teacher’s aide, and sports assistant

Describe your experience of returning to BDC as a staff member: Returning to BDC, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I was eager to prove to the teachers who once guided me that I was now capable of working alongside them. After a brief adjustment period, I found it amusing to experience the other side of the school I had once attended as a student. Once the "Oh, you're back!" conversations settled, I quickly grew more comfortable assisting the teachers in their mission to prepare students for the world. Since my reintroduction to BDC, the experience has been nothing short of amazing. I've had the opportunity to collaborate with people I once admired, and now, I get to work alongside them as equals.

Alice Webber attended BDC from Years 7 to 10, leaving at the end of 2001 to attend CHEC. She began working as the College nurse in July 2022. Alice worked full-time at BDC for the first 12 months, then transitioned to a job-sharing arrangement. She now works three days a week at BDC and works casually for NSW Health on the other days. Her two children also attend BDC, in Year 6 and Year 9.

Describe your experience of returning to BDC as a staff member: To be honest it was a bizarre feeling to be back and even more bizarre to now be colleagues with some of my past teachers (Ms Kiemski, Mr Klipin, Mrs O'Connor, Mr Kadwell, Mr Atkinson, Mr Rodham)! The school has grown immensely since I was a student, we certainly had no Branson Centre, just an old outdoor tennis/basketball court where I spent most of my lunch time with friends. The theatre was the largest undercover area we had in the school so wet days weren't much fun at all. Students have so many opportunities now at BDC, I truly believe there is something for everyone.