Celebrating Carinity educators on World Teachers Day

Hats off to teachers!  Today is World Teachers Day Queensland, a chance to officially thank our wonderful educators.

We celebrate the Carinity Education teachers whose passion and energy help students find their path beyond the classroom.

“I worked at a huge school before I came to Carinity Education Shalom, and I missed the sense of community that a small school brings,” said teacher Laura Peleseuma.

“I love being able to know each and every student. Relationships are so important.

When asked about some memorable moments teaching at the Townsville school, Laura said, “There’s too many to mention.”

She has relished teaching students how to sew and selling their creations, making and using a fishing lure as part of Design and Technologies studies, and taking students to Shalom Elders Village to visit and yarn with the Indigenous Elders.

“Every day brings something different. It’s the small moments that are the best: the light-bulb moments, the moments of connection, the breakthroughs, the proud smiles,” Laura said.

Dean Peattie’s favourite thing about teaching Industrial Design and Technology at Carinity Education Gladstone is seeing how students react when they finish a project they once thought was impossible.

“The look of pride on a student’s face and the boost in confidence when they’ve completed a project, that makes it all worth it,” Dean said.

“They are so proud of themselves that they were able to create something real and professional looking.  Most of my students can’t wait to take their projects home.

“I find that some students who are not particularly good at academics or school in general finally discover that there is something that they enjoy doing and perhaps are good at.

“Most students, if they have plenty of work to do and have fun, are fully engaged in the class.”

Meg Beaven’s favourite thing about teaching is “the rapport you can build with students” and “the way you can see them grow over their time in the classroom”.

As the VET Coordinator at Carinity Education Shalom, Meg recently guided the school’s largest-ever work experience cohort.

“I love my role as it gives me the chance to help shape students’ futures by guiding them towards tertiary pathways, work experience, and career opportunities that suit their strengths and goals,” Meg said.

“Working with children is such a special privilege, and Shalom allows me to connect with students in meaningful ways every day.

“Being part of a community where every child is known, supported, and encouraged to reach their potential is something I deeply value.”

Lisa Wuoti said making the move to Carinity Education Southside to teach was “the best decision I’ve made in my working career”.

“I was drawn to work in a special assistance school because I wanted to be part of an environment where students are truly met where they’re at – where support is tailored, and every student has the chance to thrive, not just survive,” Lisa said.

“The best part of being a teacher, hands down, is watching students grow into their confidence.  Seeing that spark when they realise, ‘Hey, I can do this!’ is what keeps me driven.

“I like to think that my teaching style is responsive, holistic, and empowering and that this creates an environment where students have the opportunity and will to shine.”

“Supportive, energetic and engaging” is how Benjamin Vaux describes his teaching style at Carinity Education Shalom.

“I have had plenty of memorable moments in the classroom seeing students achieve and accomplish during hands-on learning,” Benjamin said.

“it is incredibly rewarding to see students step outside their comfort zones and try new experiences, build confidence in themselves and form new friendships along the way.

“I love the personal relationships that you can develop with the students and seeing the sense of accomplishment when students are able to achieve things that they previously didn’t think themselves capable of – both in classroom learning and in their personal lives.”