On Friday, 15 February, we welcomed our 52 new Early Career Teachers to Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn at an Induction Day held at the Catholic Education Office.

Throughout the day of professional learning, we asked some of our Early Career Teachers what their hopes and aspirations are, as they embark on their teaching career in Catholic Education.

Jodie Muldoon, Merici College ACT

Goal for 2019: To develop my ability to work with students across a range of abilities and cater to additional needs

University: Australian National University (ANU) and Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Why Catholic Education?  Students get a holistic education and as a teacher, there are many great professional and faith development opportunities in Catholic Education

Speciality: Psychology

What are you most excited about? Starting with my new Year 7s, seeing them grow, settle into high school and graduate in a few years’ time.

Neel Shah, St Mary MacKillop College

Goa for 2019: To be able to engage every single student in whatever way and capacity that I can and cater to their needs

University: University of Tasmania

Why Catholic Education? The name is in the word ‘catholic’, because it is inclusive and you don’t have to be Catholic to be part of Catholic Education. It’s all about being yourself and expressing who you, and that’s what I think Catholic education in the Diocese brings to every single Catholic school.

Specialty: Maths, STEM and Indonesian

What are you most excited about? Seeing where kids can progress with their maths, and where they can see the light at the end of the tunnel with any subject that they do.

Naomi Elliott, Hennessy Catholic College

Goal for 2019: To grow as a teacher, build amazing collegial relationships and develop rapport with the students

University: Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga

Why Catholic Education? My children go to Sacred Heart, Cootamundra.  I love the environment: inclusive, caring, looking out for each other and values I appreciate.

Speciality: I first wanted to be a primary school teacher when I was 7, and now I’m in a high school that I love.

What are you most excited about? Being in the classroom with the kids. That for me I can’t put into words the amount of passion for classroom teaching.

Favourite subject to teach: English