Inspired to educate – Emily and Sophie return to school with a lesson plan for life

23/10/2025

​(From left to right), St Joseph's School, Murgon School Officer Emily Campbell-Slatter, Principal Justin McCarthy, School Officer Sophie Gleich. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Joseph's School, Murgon (2025).

​“It’s a full circle moment” – Principal Justin McCarthy. 

St Joseph’s School, Murgon Principal, is seeing the impact of his teaching career come full circle as he welcomes back two former students, Emily Campbell-Slatter and Sophie Gleich. This time, however, they return not as pupils but as teacher aides ready to inspire the next generation, just as he once inspired them. 

Emily said, “I felt inspired by Justin and the other educators who taught me at St Joseph’s”.  

“As a child, I loved St Joseph’s School,” she said.  

“So, coming back as a teacher’s aide, while I study my Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), made perfect sense. 

“Even if I was sick, I didn’t want to be at home, I wanted to be here, to be with my friends and teachers. They made school life so enjoyable.”  

Justin said, “This is what teaching is all about”.  

“I first met Sophie and Emily when I was an Inclusive Education teacher at St Joseph’s in 2014,” he said.  

“They were exceptional to teach in Maths Extension, and now also incredible to work alongside as part of my team.  

“It’s truly rewarding to see the students you taught go on to become educators themselves.”  

Both Emily and Sophie are due to complete their Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) in 2028, with Justin eager to welcome them as teachers.  

Justin adds that Emily and Sophie have used the education they received at St Joseph’s for good and to give back to their own community.  

“That’s what a Catholic education is all about,” he said.  

“It can be difficult to attract talent to rural schools, and having two local educators who understand the community so well is a golden opportunity for our school community.”  

Emily adds, “I love the St Joseph’s community and all the staff here”.   

“For me, it is exciting to come to work. It doesn’t feel like a job half the time, because I have such wonderful memories here,” she said.  

Sophie said, “what always stood out to me in BCE schools is the inclusivity, the flexibility, and the genuine commitment to every student”.  

“That’s something I felt as a learner, and now, I get to witness it every day as part of the team,” she said.  

Sophie adds, “my heart is with small country schools”.  

“I love the sense of community and connection that comes with them,” she said.  

“You’re not just a number here.   

“Every child is known, seen, and valued.”  

“Sophie and Emily are a deep part of the tradition here at St Joseph’s, and we can’t wait to see them become primary educators in the near future,” Justin said.  

For more information about St Joseph’s School, Murgon, or to enrol click here.  

What makes a rural school special?  

To find a school near you or to find out more about Brisbane Catholic Education Wide Bay Burnett, 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 Celebrating Teachers. If you would like to thank a staff member at a BCE school, share your appreciation on your school’s appreciation wall, take a photo and tag BCE on social media. 

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