Change of career changed others' lives
When Kathleen Kennedy decided to switch from a graphic arts career to primary school teaching, she not only changed her life, but those of many young students of Ettalong Public School.
Six years after that switch, Ms Kennedy is still enthusiastic about her job and as dedicated to her students as ever.
"Hand on heart, I would have to say that I absolutely love teaching," Ms Kennedy said.
As head of Stage 3, that is Years 5 and 6 at the school, Ms Kennedy is much-loved by her students, for her ability to guide their learning.
"Teaching children today is all about giving them the tools, not just standing out in front of the classroom," she said.
"I am there to help them navigate information, teach them how to use that information, how to set goals and achieve them."
There could not be a better example of Ms Kennedy's teaching than Max Galasso, prefect and Year 6 student.
Ms Kennedy said Max embodied the best parts of teaching - when you had a student who is gifted in the way he/she not only understands information, but knows what to do with it.
"Max has social and emotional ability beyond his years," Ms Kennedy said.
"He is mature and sensible, with a lot of empathy.
"He is loved among his peers, and wants to get involved in the wider community."
We at Rotary Brisbane Water certainly know that.
Last year, Max approached us, through his proud mother Danielle, because he wanted to become involved in Rotary.
Max said he became interested in Rotary after he discovered that Rotary Brisbane Water had donated books to the school library.
"I saw how Rotary helped my school, the difference it made having those books.
"I saw how people of all ages could work together, and I wanted to help out," Max said.
At 12, Max is too young to be a fully-fledged Rotarian, but he helps out at Brisbane Water Rotary events, and has become an invaluable part of its team.
Max is on his way to be not only a Rotarian, but a valuable member of the community.
While he is not sure exactly what he wants to be, "maybe a politician".
Max and his mother nominated Ms Kennedy as outstanding teacher in the Rotary Brisbane Water Pride of Workmanship Awards.
SOURCE:
Newsletter,
Di Bartok, Rotary Brisbane Water