TOP OF THE CLASS
AS A young child, your biggest influences are not just your family members, but the people you spend about 30 hours a week with.
Your teachers help to shape the person you are going to be in this world, by instilling values and helping you to develop problemsolving skills, critical thinking, teamwork and independent thinking, as well as much as more.
The Chronicle has looked at 40 teachers from across the region who are inspiring our younger generations, and today is the last part of the series.
Kaitlyn Rush
Though she has been involved with The Glennie School since 2016 as a teacher aide and boarding supervisor, Kaitlyn Rush became a fulltime teacher this year.
Ms Rush specialises in hospitality and technology across Years 8 to 12, and as a former Glennie student herself, embodies and understands the school’s values and culture.
In an effort to connect with her students, Ms Rush engages the classroom in developing their skills through reallife examples and experiences where possible, making her a favourite throughout the year levels.
Shayne Hayes
In a field that is growing in support each year, Shayne Hayes is committed to showing her Glennie School girls anything is possible, particularly in the sporting industry.
Shayne Hayes is an enthusiastic educator who currently co-ordinates The Glennie Rugby program, and coaches the rugby and touch football teams.
She is passionate about women’s sport and is dedicated to growing sports in the junior years.
Laura Booth
This inspiring young teacher is committed to introducing the younger generations to Japanese culture and integrating it into the Australian way of life.
Laura Booth from St Ursula’s College has held a passion for the culture for many years, which ultimately changed the course of her life and has given her many opportunities, which she hopes her students can one day benefit from too.
As a high school student, she studied for a month in Nagasaki, and took part in a sixweek Lions Youth Exchange to Shizuoka.
In the past she has worked as a Japanese speaking tour guide for students visiting Australia, has studied at a Tokyo university and has formed many close friendships across the two countries.
Ms Booth hopes to grow St Ursula’s Japanese program, and with the help of the Japanese sister school, grow the possibility of future exchange for Toowoomba students.
Lydia Pickard
Prominent dance teacher, Lydia Pickard has taught St Ursula’s College students from Years 7 to 12 for seven years.
During her career, she has been involved in five dance tours to Sydney, a USA Arts tour, various eisteddfod excursions across Queensland and annual College Dance Nights.
Ms Pickard implemented a new general dance syllabus for the college in 2019, and has choreographed school musicals, including Mamma Mia, which she also directed.
The ability to inspire and foster creativity within the future generations brings Ms Pickard great joy, and she loves that studying the arts provides students a platform for expression and selfdevelopment.
Brayden Insley
A five-year teacher at Toowoomba State High School, Brayden Insley began his career at the Mount Lofty campus and specialises in physical education and maths.
Recently, Mr Insley has helped deliver Certificate III in fitness to senior students, and manage the Year 7 cohort as year level co-ordinator.
Mr Insley is dedicated to ensuring school is a safe and positive environment for all students, and works with his colleagues to develop and implement pastoral care activities for the whole school.
Joel Currie
A new teacher to Toowoomba State High School, Joel Currie transferred from Goondiwindi at the start of the year and has quickly established himself as a reliable and highly effective teacher.
Mr Currie is in his fifth year of teaching career, specialising in maths and physical education, and is completing his masters in guidance and counselling.
He is willing to involve himself in all aspects of the school, and coaches the extracurricular sports program.
Mr Currie has an ability to form vital relationships with students and is sure to be one to influence future generations in the years to come.