In the middle of the Tirari Desert, around 600km from Adelaide, lies a small school with big opportunities.
St Barbara’s Parish School in Roxby Downs teaches and cares for around 200 students, from Reception to Year 9, many whose parents work at the local Olympic Dam mine. It’s a transient school where children and families are warmly welcomed.
“We see ourselves as a beacon of light and hope in the desert,” director of learning Kylie Johnson says.
“Our remote location means we are used to being flexible, welcoming and embracing change.”
With an annual staff turnover of about 70 per cent, it’s not just the children’s faces that come and go. But for those who do stay, the rewards are many.
“We have an increasing number of early career teachers and for the past two years have been running at 80 per cent,” principal Bernadette Lacey says.
“We see ourselves as the first important step on a new teacher’s journey and we offer many supports to ensure our staff settle in.”
Those supports include pastoral care and rapid access to coaches and mentors.
“We’re small enough that you can access support very quickly. If something happens in the classroom, teachers don’t have to wait until the following week or longer for a scheduled meeting. They can see their coaches at recess,” Ms Lacey says.
Leadership and career opportunities also abound, with pathways into leadership roles and professional advancement. Kelly, a third-year teacher at St Barbara’s, has already begun working alongside Ms Johnson as an instructional coach.
“When anyone shows leadership capabilities, they can quickly move into positions of responsibility,” Ms Lacey says.
Early career teacher Hannah Noonan, who recently signed on for a second year at St Barbara’s, agrees.
“I did three practical placements in Adelaide and one placement at a rural school; I know I wouldn’t be able to progress my career as quickly in a metropolitan school as I can here,” she says.
Ms Noonan is also thriving on the close-knit relationships she has built with students, parents and families.
“Because we’re a small school, we all know the children and families really well.”
With five teaching vacancies available in 2023, Ms Lacey is keen to encourage early career and experienced teachers to give remote teaching a go.
“We think every qualified person should apply,” she says. “We offer a warm welcome to any teacher who’d love to join us at Roxby.”
Pictured above: St Barbara’s Parish School teachers Hannah Noonan (left) and Lucy Norton.
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