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Helen Thompson

from Processor at the local crayfish factory to Program Coordinator - Polly Farmer Foundation Follow the Dream
I empower Aboriginal students through achievement, cultural identity, and opportunity.
School
Champion Bay Senior High School
Job Level
Mid

Ask me about

  • Building confidence, belonging, and success at school
  • Creating pathways to further education, training and careers
  • The importance of culture, identity, and community in education
  • Becoming a leader and positive role model in your community

About me

  • International Experience

I’m a proud Djukun woman from the West Kimberley who has lived on Yamatji Country in the Mid West for the past 58 years. My work in education has taken me across a range of primary and secondary schools, where I have been privileged to support students, families, staff, and communities. I am deeply committed to ensuring Aboriginal students feel seen, valued, and supported, with culture at the heart of their learning journey. For me, strong relationships, community connections, and a genuine sense of belonging are the foundations for success.

About my role

  • Confident
  • Curious
  • Flexible
  • Humorous
  • Intuitive
  • Observant
  • Passionate
  • Practical
  • Reliable
  • Tolerant

Through the Follow the Dream program I provide both educational and emotional support and encouragement to our students. I organise a range of experiences that enrich learning and broaden horizons. Post-school study and career options are explored, culture is celebrated and general capabilities that encompass knowledge, skills, behaviours and dispositions are developed. Our students are encouraged to ‘Dream Big’ with purpose and in a setting that creates a sense of belonging. Our FTD students are well prepared to embark on successful career pathways and to identify as leaders and role models amongst their peers, families and communities.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in Education
  • Level 3 Program Coordinator
  • Acting Deputy Principal

Subjects

  • Business Studies
  • English
  • Food and Technology
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Camping
  • Cooking
  • Gardening
  • Paddle boarding
  • Reading
  • Seeing family and friends
  • Volunteering

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Studied teaching at university
  2. Started as a primary teacher in regional Western Australia
  3. Expanded experience as a secondary teacher in a remote community
  4. Progressed into educational leadership as a Level 3 Program Coordinator
  5. Became an Acting Deputy Principal, supporting student achievement, culture and pathways

My typical day

My school

Champion Bay Senior High School is a leading public school in Geraldton that inspires students to achieve excellence through its values of Respect, Aspire, and Resilience. With a strong focus on student wellbeing, academic success, leadership, and future pathways, the school equips young people with the skills and confidence to thrive in further education, training, and employment.