Wave of new teachers join ranks in big year for Bowen school
An impressive 15 new staff have joined the school community and they’re eager to help students kick academic goals.
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A swag of new teachers will head into classrooms at Bowen State High School this year and they are eager to get to know students to help them kick academic goals.
A total of 16 new teachers have joined the school community in a year when enrolments rose to 740 students, an increase of 20 compared to last year.
The group includes 13 graduates who are starting their careers and three teachers who have relocated to Bowen.
Physical education and humanities teacher Matt O'Keefe is joining the school after relocating from the Sunshine Coast, where he worked in relief and contract teaching for a year.
"I'm all above movement and trying to get kids out of their bubbles to go to the next step," he said.
"It's not just PE. If you make that one positive class, it can flow into other subjects."
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Mr O'Keefe said his own desire to expand his horizons, as well as his love of the ocean, drove him to venture north to Bowen.
He's already been impressed by the warm reception he has received from the community.
New English and humanities teacher Rachel Cooper also said she'd had a positive start in town and loved the fact so many people were willing to lend a hand or have a chat.
Miss Cooper is a graduate that's fresh out of university and she's looking forward to immersing herself in the school.
"I'm mindful students come to school with their own beliefs and priorities," she said.
"I want to get to know families, students and the community to allow me to build an environment and teaching approach that will help them achieve their goals."
The year is shaping up to be a big one for Bowen State High School as the school welcomes new staff, more students and prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
There will be several events to mark the milestone throughout the year as well as a commemorative fishing shirt.
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