Hats off to educators on World Teachers’ Day

TEACHERS and staff who support Hervey Bay school students to create a positive future through education were celebrated on World Teachers’ Day Queensland on October 27. 

Nichola Smith entered the world of teaching after studying education at university as a mature age student.

She is now a middle school teacher at Carinity Education Glendyne and has been working at the Hervey Bay school for eight years.

Carinity Education Glendyne helps young people who have faced barriers to learning or have not found success in traditional schools achieve positive educational outcomes.

“I find so much purpose working at Glendyne. It is challenging, entertaining and rewarding,” Nichola said.

“Glendyne offers me the opportunity to work with students who have complex learning and social support needs. My personal philosophy is believing that each child is an individual.

“As an educator, I thrive on developing each student’s strengths, interests, skills, abilities and knowledge to inspire and support their learning experience.

“My aim is to develop a well-managed learning community that is respectful, safe, welcoming and, most of all, fun.” 

Nichola recently placed second in a competition, decided by public voting, to find the Hervey Bay-Maryborough region’s favourite high school teacher. 

“It was an honour to be recognised for a job I love,” Nichola said.

“I really cherish the relationships I have formed with both students and staff, past and present.

Seeing students grow holistically over the years they are at Glendyne is so rewarding.

“It is a privilege to be able to make a difference in someone’s world.” 

Carinity Interim CEO, David Angell, thanked the teachers, youth workers and support staff working across six Carinity Education school campuses around Queensland.

“Our Carinity Education staff support the academic, social, physical, spiritual and mental development of the vulnerable young people who attend our schools,” David said.

“The dedicated teams in Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Brisbane, Gladstone and Townsville walk with our students through the highs and the lows of their schooling experience.

“It is inspirational watching our education teams continue to deliver life-changing experiences for our students – to ensure these young people receive a vital education.”