From student to teacher: One family’s lifelong connection to St Patrick’s Nanango

From student to parent, school officer and now classroom teacher, Gemma Pedron’s connection to St Patrick’s Primary School Nanango spans decades and generations. 

Supported by a Brisbane Catholic Education scholarship, Gemma turned a passion for supporting students into a teaching career, pursuing university studies while continuing to work in the school community she loves.  

Last term, she officially stepped into her own Year 5/6 class, helping create the same sense of belonging and opportunity that shaped her own journey. 

In this Q&A, Gemma reflects on the people who encouraged her along the way, the impact of the BCE scholarship program, and why St Patrick’s remains much more than a workplace.  


What has been the most rewarding part of growing from student to parent, to staff member, and now teacher within the same school? 

The most rewarding part has been experiencing St Patrick's from so many different perspectives. As a student, I benefited from the care and support of the staff. As a parent, I watched my children grow, learn and flourish in a community that genuinely cared about them. 

Through our time at St Patrick's, we formed lifelong friendships with other families and staff who have helped shape our children's lives. Some of the most special people in our lives are people we met through St Patrick's.  

Now, as a teacher, I have the privilege of helping create those same positive experiences for other students and families. Being able to give back to a community that has given so much to my family is something I feel incredibly grateful for every day. 

What did receiving the BCE scholarship mean to you at the time? 

Receiving the BCE scholarship was an incredible opportunity. It provided both financial support and confidence at a time when I was considering a significant career change. 

The scholarship allowed me to continue studying while remaining connected to the school community that meant so much to me. More importantly, it showed me that BCE was willing to invest in and support staff who wanted to pursue professional growth and new opportunities. 

Without that support, my pathway into teaching would have looked very different. I will always be grateful for the opportunity it provided. 

What advice would you give to someone considering a similar pathway? 

Believe in yourself and don't let self-doubt stand in the way of pursuing something you are passionate about. 

There will be challenges along the way, especially when balancing study, work and family commitments, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Lean on the support of your colleagues, mentors, and school community and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. 

I am quite literally living my dream and watching it unfold before my eyes. If teaching is something you are considering, I would encourage you to take that leap. You never know where the opportunity might lead. 

What do you love most about the St Pat's school community? 

What I love most about the St Patrick's community is that it has become deeply woven into the fabric of my family's life. 

The community extends far beyond the school gates. My wonderful mum still volunteers in the tuckshop and regularly comes into my classroom to read with students and help with activities. My high school-aged children are well known around the school and happily volunteer at events whenever they can. My husband has been my biggest supporter throughout this entire journey, encouraging me to pursue teaching, supporting me through university study, and backing me every step of the way as I've chased this dream. 

When I moved into my classroom, it truly was a family effort. My dad helped me assemble furniture and get everything ready, while my daughter helped me organise the space and make it feel like home. One of my closest friends, whom I met through our time on the St Patrick's P&F Committee, helped me decorate the classroom and settle in. 

There isn't a corner of the school that doesn't hold a special memory from a different chapter of my life.  

St Patrick's is much more than a school to me. It is home. It has shaped my life, my family's life, and now I have the privilege of helping shape the lives of the next generation of St Patrick's students. 


For more information about St Patrick’s Primary School, Nanango or to enrol, click here. 

Find a Catholic school for your child in Wide Bay Burnett today! Click here. 


Explore BCE’s teaching scholarship opportunities 

Each year BCE’s teaching scholarships support the next generation of educators who are ready to teach, challenge and transform tomorrow’s learners.  

As part of Queensland’s largest Catholic school system, BCE teachers join a community of more than 14,000 staff across over 140 schools, backed by mentoring, professional development and access to leading technologies.  

These scholarships offer financial support, connection to an inclusive community, and guidance to grow both academically and professionally - empowering future teachers to make a lasting impact. 

Discover our teaching scholarship opportunities 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 using #ThanksBCEStaff and #WTDQLD.


Image caption: Gemma Pedron with students in St Patrick's Primary School Nanango's garden. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).