Terrific Teachers

Andrew Gane

St Andrew’s Catholic College, Redlynch

“It’s the little things that have the most profound impact on you as a teacher. It’s the sincere thank-you from a student or their parents. It’s when a student draws connections between what they are learning about and their lives. It’s the tears at the end of the ‘time-tunnel’ on the last day of Yr12. It can be overlooked that our students and their families have as much, or a bigger, impact on our lives as we do theirs.

I feel very fortunate in that I can say I work with a very committed and passionate group of professionals who do their best to provide an outstanding education to our students.”

secretary@standrewscc.qld.edu.au www.standrewscc.qld.edu.au

Rhonda Dahlenburg

St Andrew’s Catholic College, Redlynch

“St Andrew's has a holistic approach to education; this means as teachers we are able to focus on students' wellbeing rather than the grades they receive.

My proudest moment as a teacher came when one of my students passed their first math exam. They knew it as soon as they completed the exam and requested I grade it straight away. Seeing the tears in their eyes, reminded me I have the best job in the world.”

secretary@standrewscc.qld.edu.au www.standrewscc.qld.edu.au

Christina Jacobsen

Peace Lutheran College

“Our school is very communitycentered with capable, experienced colleagues who work collaboratively together.

My proudest moment as a teacher was when I was working with a student who couldn’t stand school because they couldn’t read. Watching his growing reading skills transform his attitude towards school and develop to the point where he fell in love with reading and couldn’t put a book down, was the greatest feeling.

My advice to students is, it’s okay to make mistakes. That is how we learn and grow. You aren’t expected to know everything. If someone makes a mistake in my class, I see a person who has just learned something new.”

admin@plc.qld.edu.au www.plc.qld.edu.au

Kristie Malahoff

St Therese’s School, Bentley Park

“The best thing about teaching at St Therese’s is the strong relationships that exist between our teachers to assist our students in achieving their learning goals. Everyone can learn, sometimes children learn in different ways and at different speeds and that’s ok.

I find the most rewarding part of my job is seeing the progress of my students as they grow and being able to play a part in their development.

If I had one piece of advice for parents, it would be to believe in your child and celebrate their learning successes.”

secretary.bentleypk.cns.catholic.edu.au www.stthereses.qld.edu.au

Terrific Teachers

Esther Inkster

Cairns Adventist College

“I am passionate about teaching at Cairns Adventist College because we have wonderful supportive staff and families who care about their child’s learning. I love the community feel and the nurturing environment.

I’m always proud when I hear from a former student and they tell me how they are doing. I remember one of my previous students rang me the day before he graduated and thanked me for teaching him. He wanted to let me know that he was going on to study at university and was glad that I was part of his schooling.” It’s moments like this that I am proud to be a teacher.

secretary@cas.qld.edu.au www.cas.qld.edu.au

Samantha Olding

St Augustine’s College

“I have had many highlights in my career as a teacher, however, it’s extremely rewarding seeing students realise their own potential, knowing that they are able to do anything and be anything they want to be. Seeing the appreciation on their faces when their results have improved is truly satisfying.

My advice to parents would be to communicate with your child’s teacher. Trust their judgement; we only want what’s best for your child and we will work very hard to ensure they are successful in the classroom.”

sac.admin@cns.catholic.edu.au www.sac.qld.edu.au

Chris Burcin

St Monica’s College, Cairns

“As a music teacher, I have witnessed some stellar performances from young musicians, but I think my proudest moments are those "A-ha!" moments when the penny drops and a student finally clicks with a new concept or idea.

My advice to parents, as a parent of a young school-aged child myself, would be that balance is key. A child's mind, body and soul develop best through a healthy mix of academic, social, physical and emotional challenges. Lots of reading, team sport and music ensembles, learning when to be gentle and when to stand up for yourself, and of course play!”

office@stmonicas.qld.edu.au www.stmonicas.qld.edu.au

Tina Nissen

St Therese’s School, Bentley Park

“I have been teaching for almost 20 years and I get great joy and satisfaction from helping students to reach their potential. I realise every student is on their own journey and each need something different from me to succeed.

When I was at school I remember when I was struggling, and the amazing teachers who gave me extra time and help and I try to replicate that every day.

Each day I try and make time to have a chat with each of my students. I want them to know that they can always come to me when things might be troubling them. I love teaching and the impact I have on little lives every day.”

secretary.bentleypk.cns.catholic.edu.au www.stthereses.qld.edu.au