The trio are fresh out of university and have taken on their first classes.

Karen received a “targeted graduate position” and is teaching 26 students in Year 6. 

“I finished uni in October last year and I’m originally from Inverell,” she said.

“It’s good [to have my own class] but it has its challenges as well, I’m just sort of getting used to everything.”

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Fiona is also teaching 26 students in Year 6.

“I’m from Gunnedah. I did my last prac here with Judy [McGowan],” she said.

Ms Laurie said while it was “full-on” this term, she was receiving good support from other staff.

“After prac you sort of get your own confidence,” she said.

“It’s a new challenge.”

Like Karen, Natasha also has a targeted graduate position.

“I’m from a little town called Goolma, near Dubbo,” she said.

“I grew up on a farm and moved to Bathurst for uni for the past four years and then moved straight here.”

Ms Doherty 24 students in her Year 1 class and said its “fantastic” but it is a challenge to address the different reading levels. 

“I’ve got children who are reading and writing a story and I’ve got kids who don’t know their sounds,” she said.

“I love having my own class and setting up my own behaviour management and trying new things out.

“I’ve conditioned the kids that when I play [I like to] move it, they start packing up.”  

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