Cathy shares a special journey

Helping others to achieve their potential is a common motivation for teachers, but CBC’s Cathy Morgan takes this passion to another level.

The Education Assistant was working at Bicton Primary School when she accepted the invitation to join one of her previous students, Blake Johnson, as he commenced on his CBC journey. Ms Morgan was Blake’s EA in Years 3 and 4 and the opportunity to be at his side in high school appealed to her spirit of adventure that she felt was well-suited to a boys’ school environment.

Blake suffers with oral, verbal and motor dyspraxia as well as ADHD and has required various therapies since he was a toddler. The little trooper was an active member of his primary school classes and, with the assistance of his mum Shelley, Ms Morgan, and CBC’s Academic Care team, has successfully adapted to his new community.

Ms Morgan applauds the amazing work of Blake’s mum whose ambition for him to be as happy as he can be means she refused to let his learning disorders stand in the way of living a fulfilled life. Shelley recognised a kindred spirit in Ms Morgan, and with the support of Head of Academic Care, Ms Larrisa Dodsworth, the plan to integrate Blake and his assistant into CBC was initiated.

From Year 6, Ms Morgan regularly brought Blake to the College so that he could get to know the campus and feel comfortable in the new environment. Now in Year 7, he attends classes, working with his own curriculum under Ms Morgan’s supervision, but he loves joining in group activities such as Science experiments and Sport exercises.

Watching other students include Blake in activities confirmed to Ms Morgan that coming to CBC was the right move. Being part of the cohort, learning important social skills and being supported by the College’s pastoral care values enables him to thrive and be seen as a member of the community. She loves the times when she can step back, let the other Year 7 boys take Blake under their collective wing and see the joy of belonging on her young charge’s face.

Brimming with patience and good humour, Ms Morgan contributes a wealth of knowledge and professionalism to the College and she has been a welcome addition to the hard-working Academic Care team. Ms Morgan plans to continue walking beside Blake on his journey and cherishes the special part she is playing in his development into a CBC gentleman.