Thank you, teachers
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 5, 1 August 2025, page no 30.
Hello to all teachers and retirees. I know that I have often wished that I had kept a journal of all the interesting things that happened in the classroom, but I didn’t.
We often remember incidents that we have had the good fortune to experience, and we also wonder whatever became of the students who passed through our doors. It would be good to know just what these students thought of their experiences and the teachers who helped mould their lives for the many years after school.
The Dr Evelyn Scott Memorial lecture was part of the opening event for this year’s QTU Conference. The guest speaker for 2025 was Leah Purcell, who is well-known as a writer, playwright, stage and film actor, producer, director, singer, and dancer. Leah’s speech paid homage to Dr Evelyn Scott and her activism as an advocate for young people and the vital importance of education.
After describing her journey from ignored and “unseen” First Nations kid at Murgon SS to a student who was valued, nurtured, and encouraged, Leah paid homage to several respected and beloved teachers who saw her potential and moved her forward. These teachers are most likely retired now, and it is hoped that each of them feels satisfaction from being “that teacher,” forever remembered and appreciated.
As Leah and so many others have observed, teachers are generally undervalued, and it is heartening for teachers currently working or retired to remember that we are valued by many.
For those of you who are still teaching, it is never too late to start keeping a record of the day’s happenings. Similarly for retirees, write down memories, as your family will appreciate knowing some of the things that happened to you during your working life.
QRTA members recently had an exciting tour of the new Queen’s Wharf building and then relived the early history of Brisbane by having a tour of Newstead House and then lunch at the Breakfast Creek Hotel. Full details of QRTA activities are in the Newsletter.
Hoping to see many members at future activities.