On World Teachers’ Day today, Brisbane Catholic Education is celebrating the growing number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators working in its schools.
Supported through BCE scholarships, mentoring programs, and leadership opportunities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators are building rewarding careers across BCE’s 146 schools, enriching learning, and strengthening school communities.
At Xavier Catholic College, a strong First Nations workforce is helping students see what is possible. The college has seven Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander teachers, including a guidance counsellor and a support teacher.
Head of Campus Ursula Witham-Young said with 122 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, representation played an important role in helping students feel supported and connected.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators bring cultural knowledge, lived experience and professional expertise that enrich learning for all students,” Ms Witham-Young said.
“It is important for our students to have strong, positive role models so they know we see them, we support them, and we want the greatest success for them.”
Xavier Catholic College guidance counsellor Deb Farrell, along with fellow Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander colleagues and teachers Katelyn Bell, Micheal O’Shea, Robert Young, and Laurel Ball have helped establish Xavier’s “Empowering our First Nations Young People for Life Beyond School” mentoring program.
“In partnership with BCE, the program helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students build confidence, strengthen cultural pride, and explore future pathways including employment, apprenticeships, further training, university, and community leadership,” Ms Witham-Young said.
“The program reflects the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait educators play not only in classrooms, but also in creating opportunities that help young people thrive beyond school.”
St Flannan’s School Principal Cheryl Bell said her school also has a growing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce.
“Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and cultural leadership to our school,” Ms Bell said.
She also highlighted the contribution of Year 2 teacher Kaitlyn Spiteri, a Gamilaroi woman.
“This year Kaitlyn worked with our students on the painting Together for our school, drawing on culture, story, and connection to reflect the identity of the St Flannan’s community,” she said.
BCE Senior Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Mayrah Dreise said while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators play an important role in shaping culturally responsive learning environments, reconciliation cannot be left to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff alone.
“While many are passionate about this work, creating culturally safe and inclusive schools is a shared responsibility,” Dr Dreise said.
FULL STORY
This World Teachers’ Day BCE celebrates a growing First Nations teacher workforce (Brisbane Catholic Education)
