Behind the walls of Holy Family Primary School Indooroopilly, is not only the journey of its students but also the remarkable journey of two sisters - Prep teacher Rebecca Cornish and Year 1 teacher Libby Freshney.
The two educators have transitioned from students at the school to now dedicating most of their teaching careers to “their beloved school”.
As we celebrate Queensland World Teachers’ Day on October 25, we’re shining a spotlight on the sisters’ unique careers.
Rebecca began her teaching career at Holy Family School in 1998 as a graduate, with her younger sister Libby following five years later in 2003.
Together they now amass 49 years of teaching, between them at Holy Family Primary School.
The sisters quickly became a dynamic duo, sharing a passion for early years education and at some points during their careers even shared a classroom co-teaching Year 5 and Prep.
Libby said it has been the highlight of her career getting to work alongside her older sister.
“Being able to help each other—there’s nothing that she won’t do for me - if I am ever stuck, it is never a big deal,” she said.
“We help each other with anything along the way.”
Rebecca adds, “We laugh a lot; we have a lot of fun, which you need when working with little children”.
“You want to be happy in the classroom and my sister helps make every day joyous,” she said.
Libby said, reflecting on their long tenure working together at Holy Family Primary School, that their teaching styles were also remarkably similar.
“We wouldn’t change a thing about our careers and where we work.”
The bond they share extends beyond the classroom, with their children growing up together, attending the same school, and forming a close-knit friendship group.
“Our children, six in total, also attended Holy Family,” she said as a testament to the school's enduring significance in their lives.
Rebecca has now been part of the Holy Family School community for an impressive 27 years, while Libby has contributed 22 years, with some time spent away before returning to the school that she said, ‘feels like home.’
Holy Family Primary School Principal Terese Shephard said Rebecca and Libby were wonderful staff who shared their experience and perspective of being a student, parent, and staff member.
“There are a number of other staff members who share a similar experience, and I value their wisdom and knowledge of the story and traditions of Holy Family,” she said.
“We are very blessed to have them on staff at Holy Family.”
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For more information about Holy Family Primary School Indooroopilly or to enrol click here.
![Libby and Bec Holy Family photo[47].jpg](/news/SiteAssets/Pages/Holy-Family-Primary-School-celebrates-sisterly-legacy-this-World-Teachers’-Day-/Libby%20and%20Bec%20Holy%20Family%20photo[47].jpg)
Libby (left) and Rebecca (right) featured in Holy Family School, Indooroopilly school photos.
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’ Make a Difference. If you would like to thank a staff member at a BCE school, share your appreciation via our virtual message board.