Former student returns to the classroom

St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School is experiencing a full-circle effect as a former graduate returns as a trainee teaching assistant for the next 12 months.

Elyse Phillips graduated from the local private school in 2013 before returning this year to pursue her dreams of working with children as she completes a Certificate III in Education Support.

Ms Phillips said being able to return to a place she feels comfortable has made the undertaking of her qualification much easier.

“I wanted to return to St Cecilia’s for my training because I know the school, it’s a very welcoming environment and it gives me a sense of ease, especially beginning this journey. That all takes the nerves away,” she said.

“A couple of the other teacher assistants who have been here a few years now are mentoring me and helping me by giving me that extra knowledge and so far it has been really great and I’m learning a lot.”

Principal Peter Allen said the entire staff was excited to have Ms Phillips back.

“As a student here she was always a good student and nice person, someone you could depend on and turn to, so when she came back to us this year it was easy to make that decision,” he said.

“We thought it would be a great idea, especially having a local here who knows the town and people as a teaching assistant, and in the long term it will hopefully benefit us if Elyse does decide to pursue teaching further and chooses to return as a fully fledged teacher.”