Year 1 teacher Julie Flynn’s A+ journey from childcare to the classroom has earned her top marks, winning her the ACU Award for Excellence as an Early Career Teacher (Primary) at Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) Excellence Awards 2024. In just two years, Julie has not only excelled in her new profession but has also stepped up as a leader for her cherished Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School community—one she values so much that she chose to send her three children to.
Julie said it was “very humbling” to win The ACU Award for Excellence as an Early Career Teacher (Primary) in only her second year of teaching.
“So many people are deserving of this award,” she said.
“'I would like to thank everyone who helped influence my career and helped shape me into the educator I am today.
“Starting in childcare and now becoming a school teacher has been an incredible journey, and I'm grateful for the support and guidance I've received along the way.”
Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School Primary Learning Leader Naomi Doyle said Julie was a “born teacher”.
“The impact that Julie’s teaching has had on all the students she has worked with is evident in their learning progress and increased results, but most importantly in their happy dispositions at school,” she said.
“In my twenty-plus years of teaching, I have never encountered such a dedicated and capable graduate teacher.
"She has exhibited exceptional resilience and adaptability during her first year of teaching in 2023, successfully guiding her Year 5 class through a pivotal year.
“Despite being in her first year of teaching, she confidently stepped up within our teaching team during a difficult transition period.
"This year, Julie has wholeheartedly embraced the challenge of teaching Year 1.
“While many might find such a shift in Year level and curriculum daunting, Julie adapted seamlessly, demonstrating her flexibility and commitment to her students.”
In addition to Julie’s contributions to Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School, she also gives her time to various school committees and events and actively participates in the religious life of the school.
In 2024, Julie was also nominated for the Queensland Catholic Education Commission’s Spirit of Catholic Education Awards.
For more information about Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School, Springfield Lakes click here.
About BCE’s Excellence Awards:
This year, 379 staff were nominated from across 101 of 146 BCE schools and seven offices for awards celebrating the impactful ways the nominees work to support and nurture the growth of students, including teaching, leading, and mentoring.