Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools

Graduate teachers

Graduate teacher testimonials

“In a rural community, there is a unique sense of belonging – not only within the school but also within the wider community. Everyone is willing to go out of their way to support, guide and pass on their professional knowledge. The opportunities are endless. There is ample professional development offered to all staff to enrich student learning experiences and help you achieve your career goals quickly.”

Hayley Ownsworth – Teacher at St John’s School, Roma

“Working in a rural town provides you with opportunities like no other. You work with colleagues who soon become friends, and you are considered a valued member of the school and wider community. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”

Caitlin Matthews – Teacher at St John’s School, Roma

“I absolutely love working in a rural community! The students are so different here! They have spent so much time in the outdoors and have some great stories to tell. You are also really valued in a rural community. You won’t regret considering Toowoomba Catholic Schools. I am so thankful for the great opportunities they are giving me, and will give me in the future!”

Grace Twidale – Teacher at St Joseph’s School, Millmerran

“It has always been my dream to become a primary school teacher and begin my career in a rural town. I have created such great friendships in the short time that I have been at St John’s, and my Year One teaching team have welcomed me with open arms. I am living my dream!”

Lainey McPhee – Teacher at St John’s School, Roma

“I love working in a rural town – it is a great place to start your career. You won’t regret working in a small school in your first year. Consider Catholic Education as your wellbeing is their priority and you are a part of a big family.” 

Lilly Daly – Teacher at Sacred Heart Primary School, Cunnamulla

“Working in a remote town is incredible! I have worked in Cunnamulla for several years, and it has been and continues to be the greatest experience. Toowoomba Catholic Schools has such a supportive environment to help graduates reach their full potential whilst working within these remote communities. Working remotely is a fantastic way to start your career as you learn new things, create memories and experience a Western community and their way of life.”

Aimee Bretherton – Teacher at Sacred Heart Primary School, Cunnamulla

“Working at Assumption College is like being part of a growing community. There is a large group of early career teachers at the school, and I find it a welcoming environment for new teachers. Students are enthusiastic, keen to learn and well-mannered which is, in part, due to the great behaviour framework that the school has in place. The atmosphere of the College is warm and welcoming, and staff are keen to help each other.”

Riley Salter – Teacher at Assumption College, Warwick

Supported to Succeed (S2S)

Our belief in providing support to graduate teachers goes beyond letting you know who we are and what is important to us.  You will find a whole team of colleagues who are willing and ready to share, listen and walk alongside you so that you can be the best you can be.

This starts with sharing the big picture of working in a Toowoomba Catholic school at the initial induction day – being a part of a network of 32 schools with professional services, support and leadership provided by the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office.

Your principal will come to know you personally, as you are guided through your school based induction, building connections and growing your capabilities.

You will have a coach who supports you along your journey – there to listen to your stories of success and challenge, offering insights and guiding you to find solutions.

An experienced teacher will also be your mentor – enabling you to hone your teaching skills and focus on student learning.

With many early career teachers working across the 32 schools in the network you will also be a part of the ‘peer hub’; enabling you to meet with a group of ‘like peers’ for professional and personal support.

Alongside all of this is the TCS Concierge, offering access to information, services and support – all you have to do is ask!

If you are interested in joining us, we invite you to complete the Expression of interest form below.

Excellence in teaching and learning

Category 1 - Excellence in teaching and learning: early career teacher/educator (0-3 years of teaching experience)

Nominations are to address the following criteria and must include examples of how the nominee has demonstrated excellence in this area by providing specific examples and evidence.

  • successfully implements evidence-based high impact teaching strategies which affirm the dignity and potential of each student 
  • ensures classroom practice is informed by planning for personalised learning and based on formative and diagnostic assessment of student skills, knowledge and understanding 
  • ensures the choice of content and pedagogy is responsive to the cultural backgrounds and life experiences of students and challenges students to think deeply about the world and their place in it 

Category 2 - Excellence in teaching and learning: kindergarten/primary expert teacher

Nominations are to address the following criteria and must include examples of how the nominee has demonstrated excellence in this area by providing specific examples and evidence.

  • is an acknowledged expert classroom practitioner in evidence-based, high impact strategies which affirm the dignity and potential of all students and readily shares this expertise across classrooms 
  • ensures classroom practice is supported by planning for personalised learning and based on formative and diagnostic assessment of student skills, knowledge and understanding 
  • ensures the choice of content and pedagogy is responsive to the cultural backgrounds and life experiences of students and challenges students to think deeply about the world and their place in it 

Category 3 - Excellence in teaching and learning: secondary expert teacher

Nominations are to address the following criteria and must include examples of how the nominee has demonstrated excellence in this area by providing specific examples and evidence.

  • is an acknowledged expert classroom practitioner in evidence-based, high impact strategies which affirm the dignity and potential of all students and readily shares this expertise across classrooms 
  • ensures classroom practice is supported by planning for personalised learning and based on formative and diagnostic assessment of student skills, knowledge and understanding 
  • ensures the choice of content and pedagogy is responsive to the cultural backgrounds and life experiences of students and challenges students to think deeply about the world and their place in it 

Excellence in leadership

Category 1 – School/Kindergarten leadership (inclusive of educative and religious leadership)

This award recognises a school or Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office individual or team who/that has demonstrated high quality leadership focussed on creating exemplary places of learning where every student experiences academic success and comes to know and experience the loving presence of Jesus.

Nominations are to address the following criteria and must include examples of how the nominee has demonstrated excellence in this area by providing specific examples and evidence.

  • leads the development, implementation and review of evidence-based teaching and learning strategies that have improved student learning outcomes in and across schools/colleges
  • provides leadership for Catholic identity and the ethos and charism of the school community, integrating hope-filled beliefs and values into all facets of school life and learning
  • creates a positive culture of challenge and support

Category 2 - Middle leadership

This award recognises an individual or team who/that has demonstrated high quality middle leadership focussed on creating exemplary places of learning where every student experiences academic success and comes to know and experience the loving presence of Jesus.

Nominations are to address the following criteria and must include examples of how the nominee has demonstrated excellence in this area by providing specific examples and evidence.

  • provides high quality leadership, expertise and coordination in their specific area of delegated responsibility
  • is proactive in their pastoral care of staff
  • emphasises the centrality of teaching and learning in the life and work of the school

Category 3 - Emerging leadership

This award recognises an individual who is not in a formal leadership position and has demonstrated a willingness to contribute beyond their role to lead a school improvement initiative focussed on creating exemplary places of learning where every student experiences academic success and comes to know and experience the loving presence of Jesus.

Nominations are to address the following criteria and must include examples of how the nominee has demonstrated excellence in this area by providing specific examples and evidence.

  • identified and lead a school improvement project that has improved student learning outcomes
  • used data and educational research to inform and enhance practice
  • engaged others and fostered relationships that inspired action and growth in students, colleagues, parents and the community

Excellence in education support

Category 1 - Teaching and learning support

This award recognises an individual or team who/that work with teaching staff to create exemplary places of learning where every student experiences academic success and comes to know and experience the loving presence of Jesus. The types of role that this award recognises include teacher aides, school counsellors, kindergarten educators, Occupational Therapists, Education Officers, Boarding supervisors.

Nominations are to address the following criteria and must include examples of how the nominee has demonstrated excellence in this area by providing specific examples and evidence.

  • supports the implementation of engaging and effective learning that puts students first and unleashes their potential
  • looks for and uses innovative ideas to respond to the needs of students
  • demonstrates a commitment to learning, collaboration and professionalism in all interactions with members of the school/college community

Category 2 - Administration, finance and facilities support

This award recognises an individual or team who/that works in support roles to create exemplary places of learning where every student experiences academic success and comes to know and experience the loving presence of Jesus. The types of role that this award recognises include cleaners, laundry staff, grounds people, administration officers, HR officers, accountants, business managers, IT technicians.

Nominations are to address the following criteria and must include examples of how the nominee has demonstrated excellence in this area by providing specific examples and evidence.

  • provides high quality leadership, service or support to a school/college or schools/colleges in their area of responsibility
  • looks for and uses innovative solutions relevant to their role and responsibilities
  • engages with others and fosters relationships that inspire action and growth

Category 3 - Volunteer support in a school setting

This award recognises an individual or team who/that have given their time to support a school or college and this volunteering has contributed to creating exemplary places of learning where every student experiences academic success and comes to know and experience the loving presence of Jesus. The types of roles that this award recognises include those who volunteer to work in classrooms, to maintain school facilities, to engage other parents.

Nominations are to address the following criteria and must include examples of how the nominee has demonstrated excellence in this area by providing specific examples and evidence.

  • looks for and implements innovative and new solutions to support the school or college to achieve its goals
  • works with others and fosters relationships that inspire action and growth
  • focusses on the ‘common good’