The highs and lows of working in a school

Seeing the recognition on the face of a child who has finally ‘got’ a concept, or the joy that participating in a sporting team or musical group can bring a student is deeply satisfying. Knowing you have played some small part in shaping the minds of a cohort of young people is astounding. The cost of teaching, though, is on the rise. Mentally, emotionally and physically, the demands are ‘on teachers’ and all school sta are increasing. In our Special Report, we examine the rising cost of teaching, and what can be done to ease the burden on our already exhausted educators.

In this edition, Ryan Martin, Principal at Macleay Vocational College (MVC) has contributed the Principal Speaks column. Though he didn’t enjoy school when he was younger, Mr Martin loves his role at MVC. A Special Assistance School on Dhungutti Country for students from the Macleay Valley, the school provides a flexible learning environment that supports young people to re-engage with education, experience success, and build the confidence to explore future pathways beyond school. Mr Martin champions sta wellbeing, and ensuring best outcomes for all in the MVC learning community – students, teachers, families and carers, and other school sta .

Our profile this term focusses on HEAL and trauma informed art therapy. Operating in schools throughout Queensland, the HEAL program helps students with traumatic pasts engage in the schooling system. Many HEAL participants are refugees, and have fled war and other atrocities. Through art therapy, they are provided with the tools to cope mentally and emotionally, and to process their past trauma.

External learning has great wellbeing benefits for sta and students. We explore the improved learning outcomes experienced through time outside the classroom, as well as ways to take learning outside in your school. We are fortunate to have a wealth of excellent museums to visit across Australia. Our feature on exploring museums for schools highlights some opportunities available to bring history and culture to life at a local museum. As we approach the halfway mark of the school year, I hope you are all travelling well. There is no quiet time in schools, and the pace can sometimes feel relentless. Though it may not always feel like it, the work of all school sta – teachers, principals, librarians, groundskeepers and other non-teaching sta — is highly valued. I know you will all continue to support each other through the challenges, and celebrate the triumphs. Go gently with yourself, and your colleagues this term.

The School News team acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands upon which we gather, work, and publish. We want to pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future, who continue cultural, educational, and spiritual connections to Country.