Tom Smith

Teaching hope: keeping young poeple learning through illness

For children facing serious illness, continuing their schooling during hospital stays isn’t just about keeping up academically. According to Bachelor of Education (Primary) graduate Tom Smith, it’s also about connection, confidence, and building a bridge back to normalcy when life feels anything but.

Tom is Assistant Principal at St George Hospital School, a specialised learning unit within the hospital’s paediatric ward supporting patients from K-12. Working closely with students’ home schools and NSW Health, Tom provides individualised learning, meeting each student where they are academically.

“As Assistant Principal, I teach the Outreach Class,” Tom explains. “I provide specialised educational support to students from years 5 to 11, helping them re-engage with learning and supporting their transition back to their regular schools or alternative pathways like specialist education settings and TAFE. In any one day I could be teaching Shakespeare, linear equations and electricity.”

Tom’s passion for education began in a tiny rural school on Canberra’s outskirts, inspired by a handful of dedicated teachers who showed him the power of inclusion, connection and care in learning.

“I was especially inspired by how, in such a small school, they managed to cater to many different grades and needs in one classroom,” he recalls.

“They made sure we never missed out – I vividly remember my teachers coaching my Saturday T-Ball and Softball teams and supporting our participation in district performing arts festivals. Those traits have stayed with me.”

His experience at Charles Sturt University strengthened that ethos, shaping both his teaching and his volunteer work with Queer Screen and Qtopia Sydney.

“I loved how Charles Sturt brought together people from all different places, creating such a mix of perspectives and experiences. Everyone felt welcome, and that diversity and connection made studying there richer.”

Tom’s teaching career has taken him from the Snowy Mountains to Sydney, including almost three years as Assistant Principal at Newtown Public School. He made the rewarding transition to hospital-based education in 2024, teaching at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital School before taking up his current role in mid-2025. Tom has earned multiple awards for excellence in teaching and service delivery at both school network and state levels.

“The best part of my job is seeing the incredible growth in my students as they reconnect with learning and build confidence in themselves,” he says. “The experience has left me feeling more rejuvenated, passionate and fulfilled, both professionally and personally. It’s reminded me of why I love being a teacher and the impact that teachers can make.”