After moving to study teaching in Townsville, this first-year teacher couldn’t be happier to return home to Innisfail. She shares what it’s like to be a graduate teacher living and working in the “small town with heart”. 

Why did you want to become a teacher?

I had an awesome teacher in Year 7, Mrs Connolly, I absolutely worshipped her. It really got me thinking I’d love to be that person for young children someday, someone who they can look up to and aspire to be like. So teaching was the obvious choice, I get to inspire and motivate my students to achieve their potential every day.

What’s it like to be a graduate teacher at Good Counsel Primary School, Innisfail?

I was really lucky to do my final university prac at Good Counsel Primary, so when I came back as a first-year teacher I already felt like I was part of the family. I was welcomed into GCPS with open arms. They were just so supportive of me and everything that I did. Anything that I needed, I didn’t even really need to ask, they were just there for me every step of the way. 

What’s the best part about living in working in Far North Queensland?

I have lived in Innisfail for pretty much my whole life and I’m definitely a ‘more trees, less traffic’ kind of girl. I’d have to say the positive relationships that I have been able to build at this school have been the best part about working in Far North Queensland, I have been able to get so close with my colleagues as we are always seeing each other both in and out of school. 

Graduate teachers at Catholic Education have access to their own mentor. How have you found the support from your mentor?

My mentor has been amazing, she’s gone above and beyond in all aspects of supporting me through being a first-year teacher. She’s just so knowledgeable and has so much experience which has really helped me in turn to gain that confidence as well. She’s done everything she possibly can to support me, which has been amazing. I have been lucky to be able to get my mentor for half days every Wednesday. We use that time to do class observations, we co-teach, sometimes she takes the lesson and I will observe. It’s been brilliant. 

How have you found the support from the leadership team?

I feel really supported by the leadership team. They go above and beyond to fill every need that I have and to accommodate me, especially as a first-year teacher, they’ve just been amazing. I count myself very, very lucky to be at this school.

What further support have you received from Catholic Education Services?

Catholic Education Services has supported me through many informative Zoom sessions. I’ve also been able to meet the consultant for early career teachers and she’s provided me with lots of information as well so all in all it’s been wonderful! 

What would your advice be to any teachers considering a career at Catholic Education?

My advice to teachers considering teaching in the Diocese of Cairns would be to just do it! Everyone is on your side, everyone wants you to succeed, and you just feel so supported in everything that you do. I won’t look back and you won’t look back either! 

To find out more about our career opportunities in the Far North at Cairns Catholic schools, head to our Employment page.