The old cliché certainly rings true — “Teaching is more than a job; it is a vocation.”
World Teachers’ Day at St Aloysius Catholic Primary, Chisholm was celebrated at a morning tea with the school community recognising the wonderful work of teachers and support staff. They were also presented with rosary beads that had travelled all the way from the Holy Land. St Aloysius had a special devotion to Jesus and Mary and he spent much of his short life in prayer.
“World Teachers’ Day gave us the opportunity to celebrate each teacher’s unique gifts and talents and their great care and concern for the students in their care,” said principal Grant Diggins.
“Teachers make a real difference in the lives of their students and are helping form and educate good, responsible citizens for the future.”
The teachers at St Mary’s Primary School, Scone were greeted at the school gates on World Teachers’ Day with a lovely surprise. They were each given a bag of treats and the school was decorated with handmade signs featuring meaningful quotes and messages for the teachers.
Before lunch, the whole school gathered in the hall for an assembly where each teacher was presented with an envelope full of personal messages of gratitude from students and parents.
“What an amazing gift to receive and treasure,” said principal, Kim Wilson. “The teachers felt like rock stars as they came forward to receive their gifts from a loud roaring crowd.”
At the end of the assembly, the teachers were treated to a lovely sit-down lunch catered for by a team of parents.
“The staff were feeling so fortunate to be part of our wonderful St Mary’s community and we gratefully appreciate all who worked hard to make us feel so special,” Ms Wilson said.
“We are truly blessed to be part of this community who recognise our efforts.”
The school community of St Kevin’s Primary School, Cardiff celebrated their positive culture throughout the day.
Each teacher wore their World Teachers’ Day badge, which said, “I work in a great school!” and participated in fun sports games with students.
School principal Mary-Anne Jennings said: “Today we recognise the commitment and dedication of our teachers, casual relief teachers, support staff and the significant contributions they make in our classrooms and the St Kevin’s community.”
Teachers and support staff from St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm celebrated World Teachers’ Day with a special morning tea, which was followed by staff heading straight back to work, highlighting what the day is all about.
“The staff at St Bede’s are dedicated, hardworking and love their job as a teacher,” said teacher librarian, Ann-Maree Humphries.
“Each day they build relationships, both with students and with staff, create engaging and relevant lessons, ensure students are supported in their learning space, whilst also thinking at least three steps ahead.
“This dedication is not restricted within the walls of the building. It is revealed at home, with hours of marking, programming and assessment, most times spilling into the weekend. Always at the forefront of their mind is their students’ wellbeing and learning needs and the week ahead.”
The school communities believe it is vitally important to take the time to have a cup of tea or coffee and share a morning tea in recognition of teachers around the world and the incredible job they do each and every day.
Director of Schools, Gerard Mowbray, said: “Today we celebrate with great pride the vocation of teaching. In terms of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle we affirm and celebrate teaching and working in Catholic schools.
“I have often said we have the most privileged of professions as we work with the most precious gift of the young people in our care. Remember the joy of seeing a young one learn and develop and accept our deepest thanks for your commitment to teaching.”
National Catholic Education Commission executive director, Jacinta Collins, had this to say in honouring all who teach in Catholic schools:
“Teaching is a profession but it’s not a job. It’s a vocation and a commitment to do your best for the students in your care. To be a guide and a mentor, a facilitator and sounding board; to be a motivator and encourager, an enabler and enthusiast for learning; and in the case of Catholic school teachers, to be a witness to the life-giving good news of Christ present in each of us and in the world.”
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