29 Oct 2026
On World Teachers' Day (30 October), BCE is celebrating educators whose dedication, innovation, and compassion are changing lives both inside and beyond the classroom. Their stories showcase the many ways an education to believe in starts with exceptional educators.
Meet the educators inspiring students to say, ‘thank you for believing in us:’
Image caption: Senior Mathematics teacher, Emmaus College, Jimboomba Clarence Hart III with students. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Emmaus College, Jimboomba (2026).
Clarence Hart III
Senior Mathematics teacher, Emmaus College, Jimboomba
For more than 30 years, Clarence has inspired students to believe in themselves and use their gifts to make a positive difference in the world. As a senior Mathematics teacher, he challenges students to think deeply, embrace lifelong learning, and pursue their passions with confidence. Beyond the classroom, Clarence is an accomplished musician, songwriter, and performer who models the value of creativity and continuous growth. He recently contributed his voice and songwriting talents to the upcoming ‘Peggy & Molly’ Animated Series and composed the Emmaus College school song, ‘The Road.’
Emma Traversari
Year 2 teacher, Our Lady of the Rosary School, Kenmore
Emma combines high expectations with genuine care, helping young learners build confidence and achieve remarkable growth. A recognised literacy leader, Emma has helped strengthen reading and spelling outcomes by supporting teachers to use proven approaches that teach children how letters and sounds work together. Using student learning data to identify where children need extra support, Emma tailors lessons so that every child can succeed.
Emma is also passionate about student voice and engagement, helping develop innovative school-wide practices, including Photographer of the Day, which encourages students to reflect on and share their learning.
Beyond her classroom, she mentors colleagues, leads professional learning and shares effective teaching strategies across BCE. Through her leadership and commitment to continuous improvement, Emma is helping both students and teachers grow with confidence.
In Term 4, 2026 Emma is working as the Learning Enhancement Teacher across Prep to Year 6 at St Augustine’s College, Augustine Heights.
Image caption: St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Laidley Primary Learning Leader Jackie Howie with students. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Laidley (2026).
Jackie Howie
Primary Learning Leader, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Laidley
Jackie is transforming teaching and learning by empowering both students and educators to reach their full potential. She pioneered a series of school-wide meetings that foster a collaborative professional culture, empowering teachers to use evidence and data-informed practice to improve outcomes for every learner.
Jackie is also a passionate mentor, supporting early career teachers as they navigate the challenges and rewards of the profession. Her leadership has contributed to impressive gains in literacy and numeracy, particularly through targeted work in spelling and mathematical thinking. Through her dedication, Jackie ensures that both staff and students feel supported, capable and inspired to grow.
Image caption: Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School, Ormeau Teacher Anabelle Gibson. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School, Ormeau (2026).
Anabelle Gibson
Teacher, Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School, Ormeau
Although only in her second year of teaching, Anabelle Gibson is already making a significant impact on students, families, and colleagues. She creates engaging and responsive learning environments where every child feels known, valued, and capable of success. Anabelle's deep commitment to literacy instruction has helped students overcome learning barriers and develop confidence in themselves as learners. Beyond the classroom, she has embraced leadership opportunities, serving as an AI coach and helping staff discover innovative ways to improve wellbeing, and reduce workload.
Guided by the school's motto, "Do small things with great love,” Anabelle's care and enthusiasm are felt throughout the entire school community.
Image caption: Year 1 teacher Laurel Eustace with Saint Mary's Catholic College, Kingaroy students. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Saint Mary's Catholic College, Kingaroy (2026).
Laurel Eustace
Year 1 Teacher, Saint Mary's Catholic College, Kingaroy
Laurel is bringing learning to life through hands-on experiences that connect students with sustainability, science, and service. Through her Green Thumbs and Golden Eggs Club, students care for chickens, grow fresh produce, and learn about stewardship of creation in meaningful ways. The program has increased student engagement, strengthened wellbeing and fostered a strong sense of responsibility and belonging. Students proudly share their learning beyond the school through local agricultural shows and community initiatives. Laurel's innovative approach helps children develop confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of how to care for the world around them.
Image caption: Secondary Teacher and Middle Leader for Mathematics, Science, Technologies and Health and Physical Education Jess Redfern with students. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Saint Mary's Catholic College, Kingaroy (2026).
Jess Redfern
Secondary Teacher and Middle Leader for Mathematics, Science, Technologies and Health and Physical Education, Saint Mary's Catholic College, Kingaroy
Jess is proving that leadership and impact are not defined by years of experience, but by passion, expertise, and dedication. As Curriculum Leader across multiple learning areas, she has improved student achievement through data-informed teaching and targeted support. Her work in Senior Essential Mathematics has produced significant gains in student performance and confidence.
Jess is also a highly respected mentor who supports teachers through coaching, curriculum design, and professional learning. By combining high expectations with genuine care, she is helping both students and colleagues achieve success and believe in what is possible.
At BCE, we believe ‘an education to believe in starts with you,’ as we work together to teach, challenge, and transform lives.
Why work for BCE? Find out more here.
Find a Catholic school near you today, click here.
About Queensland World Teachers’ Day
Queensland World Teachers' Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and applaud our teachers for the important role they play in our communities and for the positive impact they have on the lives of students. This year’s Queensland theme is teachers change lives.
This year’s BCE theme is a message directly from our students ‘Thank you for believing in us,’ and throughout October, our school communities are invited to share messages of gratitude.
If you would like to thank a staff member at a BCE school, share your appreciation on your school’s Gratitude Wall, take a photo and tag BCE on social media.
Thank a BCE staff member via your school’s Gratitude Wall or share a message via our BCEnewsroom using #ThanksBCEStaff and #WTDQLD
Main image caption: Learning Enhancement Teacher Emma Traversari with St Augustine’s College, Augustine Heights students. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Augustine's College, Augustine Heights (2026).
View all news