Roma posting was a great education

A principal who started her career at St John's Roma has reflected on the lessons she learned in her first job out west.

WHERE IT BEGAN: Judy Smith, who started her teaching career in Roma, was acknowledged for 35 years of service during Catholic Education Week celebrations. Picture: Contributed

JUDY SMITH has taught thousands of students in her 36-year teaching career which started in Roma.

As she officially celebrates her 35-year long service milestone with Catholic Education, Mrs Smith has reflected fondly on a time in Roma which shaped the rest of her life.

In 1983, she joined the staff at St John's and quickly became a part of the community, got involved in countless groups, and even met her husband - fellow teacher Adrian Smith - in Roma.

"We met in 1985, and I remember at the time, there was an article in the paper about the teachers who were, sort of, pairing off,” Mrs Smith said.

"There were a few of us from out at St John's who ended up marrying and, over the years we came back a few times for weddings of colleagues and friends.”

In the classroom, Mrs Smith taught Years 2, 4, and 6, facing some of her earliest professional challenges.

"In my second year, I found myself co-teaching with Judy Qualischefski,” Mrs Smith said.

"We had a big class at either end of the room, and I couldn't even tell how many kids we had, there were so many, but it was quite an experience.

"Fortunately there were lots of other first-year teachers at St John's and the whole school was very supportive.

"Back then there were other young teachers who took us new ones under their wing.”

Looking back on her time in Roma, Mrs Smith still believes her rural posting was one her greatest experiences and has passed a wealth of advice on to other teachers in their early years.

"The first year is always hard but I think the best thing you can do is make the most of your time while you are in the west,” Mrs Smith said.

"Life in the west is a whole different world, and if you do go back to the city, you will have that great experience behind you.”