A lifetime of lessons – beloved BCE educator retires after 43 years

1/12/2025

​Beloved St Michael’s College, Merrimac science teacher Julie Miles will walk out of the school gates for the very last time (Friday 5 December). ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Michael's College, Merrimac (2025).

​As the school year closes, so does a very special career that has spanned 43 years. 

Beloved St Michael’s College, Merrimac science teacher Julie Miles will walk out of the school gates for the very last time (Friday 5 December), with her College community gathered around her for a very special farewell (Friday 28 November). 

Finishing her career on a high note, Julie was not only bid farewell by her students in a heartfelt assembly and ceremonial guard of honour, but she also won the NGS Super Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (Secondary) this year. 

Julie won the award at Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) recent Excellence Awards for her ability to guide other teachers who need support, and for her exceptional knowledge and ability to make learning science accessible to all students. 

 

Julie said, “it’s a lovely way to finish up my teaching career”. 

“I am deeply honoured to be acknowledged in this way by both BCE and my College community,” she said. 

“I was never meant to be an educator. 

“When I first finished school, I was told my grades were too high to pursue education, so I enrolled in a science degree instead.

“That’s where my love of science continued. 

“It was my career working with chemicals that inspired me to share my knowledge, later beginning my teaching career in 1982 at St. Ursula’s in Yeppoon.” 

Since then, Julie has made remarkable strides in her career, completing a Master of Science (Education), teaching at Notre Dame in Albert, Canada and even stepping in as Head of Science at St Michael’s College from 2008 to 2021.

St Michael’s College Year 12 graduate Olivia said, “Ms Miles has been teaching me science since Year 9, and over that time, she’s shaped not just how I learn, but how I see the world”. 

“Ms Miles, you have this incredible gift of explaining things in a way that just makes sense,” she said. 

“You take all the chaos of formulas and theories and turn it into something clear, exciting, and even beautiful.

  

“Because of you, I didn't just learn science, I’ve came to love it. 

“It's a strange feeling knowing that my class will be your last senior chemistry class before you retire.  

“It’s the end of an era, not just for you but for all of us lucky enough to have been taught by you.” 

St Michael’s College, Merrimac Principal Veronica Wasiak said, “Julie has gone above and beyond not only for our College, but for everyone”.

  

“When I first moved to the Gold Coast and became Deputy Principal at St Michael’s College, Julie really took me under her wing,” she said. 

“She introduced me to people on the Gold Coast, which was a lovely gesture that is very dear to my heart to this day.” 

Veronica adds, “Julie has been an incredible asset to our College”. 

“She has always looked for ways we can improve and evolve the ways we engage and connect with our learners and has been instrumental in our co-curricular activities.,” she said. 

“She has pioneered an engineering breakfast for students and developed a STEM partnership with The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation for our College. 

“Her commitment in the past to the Queensland Authority Chemistry Board as Panel Chair and her current role as Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority Chemistry Lead Endorser is inspiring. 

“In saying all this, Julie will be greatly missed by the education community.” 

Looking ahead Julie said she wants to spend her retirement with family and friends. 

“I am looking forward to having more time to spend helping look after my 93-year-old father,” she said. 

“We are also looking to sell our unit, and I can’t wait to have more time to attend Zumba classes with friends.” 

For more information about St Michael’s College, Merrimac or to enrol click here. 


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