Education as a Christian Calling Reflection: Why did I start teaching? What keeps me here?

Education as a Christian Calling
Reflection: Why did I start teaching? What keeps me here?

My teaching career began in 2018 when I embarked on my training year, and I have loved it ever since. During this year I was placed at St Edward’s College where I began to thrive as a teacher, and I am still loving it here now.

St Edward’s College is a school that is very similar to the high school that I attended, St John Bosco, which is one reason that keeps me here and in this career. St John Bosco was a school that was once run by the Salesian Sisters who were still ever-present within the school when I attended. Their work with young people was inspirational, similar to the work of the Christian Brothers.

I have distinct memories of my school life involving the Salesian Sisters where they were running after-school clubs, holding meaningful prayer / reflection sessions, organising retreats, running summer school and even meditation sessions. All of their work with pupils involved carrying out the message of Don Bosco; children should be united spirituality with work, study, and play.

The Salesian Sisters were fundamental in inspiring my career in teaching and working with young people. I have been very lucky to find a school to work in that is so similar to what I experienced in my childhood. The work of the Christian Brothers and Salesian Sisters, and the message they send to young people, undeniably keeps me in my teaching vocation.

Toni Malone, St Edward’s College.

Toni shown here with colleagues on the staff wellbeing walk. She is on the far left.