Cairns Catholic Education is aiming to future-proof the teaching industry in the Cairns region with 17 local students receiving 2023 Education Scholarships.

Cairns Catholic Education is committed to attracting, developing and retaining graduate teachers in our region, according to Cairns Catholic Education Services Director of Workforce Capability Marissa Clark. 

“We could foresee a national teacher shortage based on a combination of increasing retirement rates and a growing student population, which led us to introduce our Education Scholarships,” explained Ms Clark. 

“Our Year 12 Scholarships are a way of encouraging students in our Catholic colleges to pursue a teaching career here in Cairns, while our Final Year Education Scholarships are part of our commitment to attract, develop and retain graduate teachers in the region while supporting our local universities.”  

Recipients of the 2023 Year 12 Education Scholarships and Final Year Education Scholarships were celebrated at a Scholarship Award Celebration with key stakeholders, including representatives from JCU, CQU and Cairns Catholic Education.  

“This year we awarded nine Year 12 graduates from our Catholic colleges the Year 12 Education Scholarships. The Scholarship includes payment of all HECS fees for four years, as well as mentoring and guaranteed employment as a teacher within the Cairns Diocese,” said Ms Clark. 

“The eight Final Year Scholarship recipients from JCU and CQU each received $1000, potential placement in a Catholic school, and professional development sessions throughout the year as part of our ‘Getting Ready for Employment’ program.” 

For Year 12 Education Scholarship recipient, Ethan Woodbridge, and Final Year Education Scholarship recipient, Anneliese Powell, it was the combination of their own experiences in Catholic education as well as role models in their schools that led them to this career path. 

“When I was in high school, I had a beautiful home room teacher and she was just absolutely brilliant and everything I wanted to be,” said Anneliese, whose mother also works in Catholic education. “It was fantastic to have her as a role model and she encouraged me to apply and follow this career path.” 

For Ethan, some influential teachers at St Mary’s Catholic College, including three standout male teachers, inspired him to apply for the scholarship and pursue teaching as a career. 

“I wanted to become a teacher because of some teachers I had who influenced me in a way that I saw what I could bring to the teaching profession. They also recognised a lot in me, so I decided to pursue it,” said Ethan. “It’s easy to apply for the scholarship online and there are people willing to support you through the process, plus it’s a great career.” 

The scholarships will provide invaluable experience and help ease the financial pressure for the 17 aspiring teachers. 

“The scholarship will allow me to have a lot less stress in my university journey and allow me to focus on my studies and becoming a better teacher,” said Ethan, who will receive a HECS-free degree as part of his scholarship. 

While former St Mary’s student Anneliese has used her $1000 scholarship money to purchase textbooks for her final year of her degree at CQU, as well as purchasing extra educational resources to use on placement. 

“I’m doing my placement at St Michael’s, which has been absolutely amazing. I’m also currently working at St Therese’s as a Teacher Aide and I feel really lucky to have been working there for the past two years.” 

Graduate teachers in the Cairns Diocese have an attractive starting salary of more than $78,000, with roles in rural and remote areas attracting additional allowances. 

“There has never been a better time to consider a career in teaching,” said Ms Clark. “There is a high demand for teachers, support through scholarship opportunities and plenty of incredible career opportunities right here in our region.” 

The complete list of 2023 Scholarship recipients are as follows:

Year 12 scholarship recipients
April Hainsworth (JCU, BEd, Early Childhood)
Madison Jones (JCU, BEd, Secondary – English/Biology)
Liam Kingston (JCU, BEd, Secondary – Maths/Science)
Lisa Krause (JCU, BEd, Primary)
Kelsey Orchard (JCU, BEd, Primary)
Ella Sheppard (JCU, BEd, Primary)
Ethan Woodbridge (JCU, BEd, Secondary – History/Geography)
Paige Woods (JCU, BEd, Primary)
Zoe Curcuruto (CCU, BEd, Secondary – HPE/Biology)

Final Year Scholarship recipients 2023
Angelique Breakspear (JCU, BEd, Secondary – English/Science)
Gabrielle House (JCU, BEd, Secondary – English/History)
Shenika McDowell (JCU, BEd, Primary)
Ashleigh Fahlstrom (CQU, BEd, Primary)
Tanya Mills (CQU, Masters of Teaching, Primary)
Anneliese Powell (CQU, BEd, Primary)
Renay Reddicliffe (CQU, BEd, Primary)
Julie Schep (CQU, BEd, Early Childhood)

Follow the links to find out more about Cairns Catholic Education Scholarships and Employment Opportunities in the Cairns Diocese.