St Joseph’s Parish School teachers Brad Hay and Melanie Turner are all smiles for the first day back at school. Photo: Supplied.
Whether it’s the first year or 10th year teaching at St Joseph’s Parish School, it seems the first-day nerves never quite settle when taking on a new generation of children.
The Weipa school welcomed four new teachers to its tight-knit community as it prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in May this year.
New staff member Brad Hay, who moved to Weipa after teaching for two years in Emerald, said the transition had been smooth thanks to the welcoming group.
“I’m only a third-year teacher, so it’s always a bit of a nervous feeling. But I feel like it’s becoming easier every year I’ve done it,” he said.
“On top of that, moving to a new school and new town makes it nerve-racking as well. But the staff here made it a very easy transition for me and everyone was offering support where I needed it.”
Mr Hay said part of settling in to Weipa was to “get into lots of fishing and exploring”.
“The adventure and the outdoor lifestyle definitely were an attraction for me,” he said.
“In the near future, I could see myself being comfortable here and calling this place home.”
Veteran teacher and St Joseph’s Parish School foundation member Melanie Turner, who has been at the school since day one and taught for more than three decades, said the first-day butterflies never fully went away.
“After 34 years, I still don’t sleep that great the night before we start,” she said.
“It’s just that feeling of going into the unknown … and you want it to be fabulous.
“You want to make a good impression with parents and have that connection. They’re handing over their most precious thing in the world to you for six hours a day. That’s really important.”
She said since St Joseph’s Parish School was founded in 2016 with 72 students, the cohort had now doubled in size.
The experienced teacher has taken on many roles, but one thing that has never changed is her love for the community’s children.
“It was always about the children for me – that’s why I got into it in the first place,” she said.
“I’ve taught every grade over that time. I’ve been a specialist for PE, Auslan, and the arts, and became a swimming instructor in my time here for the school.
“There are lots of opportunities you may not get in other places because you wear so many hats. This year, I’ve stepped into the assistant principal Catholic identity and wellbeing role.”
