#QldTeachersThankU
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 126 No 8, 12 November 2021, page no.12-13
It’s no secret that the past two years have been a massive challenge for education and our 48,000 strong membership of teachers and school leaders, and of course, for the students and families we work with.
So the QTU decided that Queensland State Education Week in October would be an ideal opportunity to say thanks for a job well done to our Queensland state school teachers and school leaders.
The #QldTeachersThankU campaign was a week-long tribute to our state school teachers and school leaders. Across the state, members shared stories of a teacher who has made a profound influence on their lives – often because they took the time to care. We also distributed UV colour-changing wrist bands highlighting the hashtag #QldTeachersThankU, which physically showed teachers our support while, in true teacher style, also helping parents and students stay SunSmart.
Here is just a sample of the heartfelt messages we received from members paying tribute to the teachers who have made a difference in their lives.
A teacher or school leader who made a difference in my life was ...
…Mrs Beath
“She gave me a love of reading when I was a struggling reader. Because of her, I now have a collection of over 150 books at home. Without her, I would not have discovered reading.” Charleen Turner
…Terry Clark
“Mr Clark did not explain what the view looked like, he invited his students to enjoy the view with him. He used incredibly innovative strategies which related to the real world.” Daniel Gracey
…Mr McMahon
“He would teach concepts through art activities, and he introduced me to clay. Clay has become my life-long obsession. I’m currently a secondary school art teacher, so many thanks Mr McMahon for the many opportunities you have given me.” Jenni Holmes
…Chris Gladstone
“He instilled in me a sense of belief that there is more within me. He taught me that failure only occurs when you give up, and I’d like to thank Chris for that lesson, because that has impacted my entire life.” Doug Watson
…Ms Haslam
“She inspired me to strive for my best and advised me not to take no for an answer. She was an inspiration through years 11 and 12 and got me through some of my hardest years in high school. For that I thank her and hope she knows the impact she had on me.” Paige Pope
…Mr Mlikota
“He taught me the value of independent analysis and the joy of complex and connected thinking, as well as modelling the importance of a democratic classroom. He also inspired me to eventually to pursue teaching as my career.” Catherine Priday
…Ms Hancock
“My passion for travelling and learning other languages began after the fascinating stories that were shared by Ms Hancock. She inspired me - I thought: ‘That’s what I want to do!̀• ” Ann Christensen
…Omen Facto
“Mr Facto inspired me to show persistence, even when times get tough and he made me appreciate the value that we share with our children every single day, Thank you Mr Facto.” Jess Badke
…Anna Grendan
“She would fill her room with joy and passion and inspiration every day. Even while battling cancer, she continued to come to work, work hard and smile every day. She has shown me how to be strong as a teacher in even the worst of times, and her strength is what inspired me to be the teacher I am today.” William O'Connell
…Lesley Orr
“She was a creative lady, a lady who made learning interesting. She made a fridge box in to a space rocket or a caravan, and encouraged us to hop in there and learn a little more. She made me realise that learning could be enjoyable for all of us, regardless of where we had come from.” Jodie Parchert
…Jacinta Hill
“The way that she builds relationships with her students, allowing her to encourage them to try new challenges, is something that I will take with me forever as I move forward with my career.” Jess MacLeod
…Denis Donnelly
“I was never a very sporty person, but he encouraged me and thousands like me to have a go, and sport has been such a big part of my life. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it hadn't been for Denis.” Callum Morrison
…Carol Kidu
“Carol has shown me many, many things about how to be a good teacher, and especially to work for those students who need help.” Donna Prickett
…Jo Springall
“She was the first of many teachers to take a genuine interest in my learning, looking past my cultural background, and taught me to love learning. She goes above and beyond, making learning engaging and developing authentic relationships with students and families.” Michael Beale
…Monica Dawkins
“She helped me to love learning when there wasn’t a lot else to love. She showed me that I could find joy in challenges and that I could love my job, and she inspired me to do what she does and teach as a proud state school teacher.” Joel Hanlon
…Neil Maxwell
“Mr Max taught all my children at Giru State School and was an amazing influence and even more amazing teacher. He believed in all my children and gave them confidence to be themselves and be successful, regardless of their learning abilities. Thank you, Mr Max, for being an amazing teacher and an inspiring role model.” Stalina Booth
…Don Whitehouse
“The entire school community went on strike to try to keep Don when the department was going to take him away from us. That day I learned the value of being a hardworking, decent person and the lengths people will go to show you their thanks when you change their lives for the better.” Michael Turnbull
…Kathy Fowler
“She inspired me to become a teacher through her passion for teaching. She made learning fun. I still remember we had to rewrite a song, and we chose John Lennon’s "Imagine." When that song comes on today, I still sing those words.” Nicole Braun
…Mike Hansen
“He demonstrated to me how a school leader could work effectively with students, staff and other school leaders to inspire the best in their school.” Peter Thompson
…Kathy MacDonald
“Kathy always encourages, supports, believes, respects and most of all inspires me to be the best teacher I can possibly be. Kathy’s understanding of my personal and professional life makes me feel appreciated and valued, and for this I thank you Kathy Mac.” Cassandra Ketchell
See more at www.qtu.asn.au/thankyou