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Rowena Petersen
​Oonoonba State School

Picture
Earlier this year Oonoonba State School was significantly flooded, and the school was closed for three weeks. Classes then recommenced in two different locations. The school’s Prep teacher Rowena Petersen had lost thousands of dollars’ worth of resources that she had accumulated in 20 years of teaching and had to start again from nothing.
​
Yet a parent of one of Rowena’s students noted that Rowena made calls of support to her and offers of meals for the family who moved to a rental property and had to have their house rebuilt following the floods. Rowena has also helped out others under similar circumstances. 
When that parent's daughter had to have surgery, leading her to miss a total of six weeks of school at such an important developing age. However, Rowena has fostered such a love of learning in the little girl that she is flourishing despite these setbacks.

The parent describes Rowena as having a calm, welcoming demeanour and her lessons are well thought out, with students working towards positive behaviour rewards and clearly outlined individual goals.
​
“To her, they are the most important people in the world and to them, she is the centre of the universe along with their families. She treats each child as an individual and works with each student to ensure that every day they continue to be better versions of themselves and are nourished with quality educative experiences that are integrated in a fun and exciting way,” the parent says.

Examples include cultivating a garden for science lessons, making sorting hats in particular colours and shapes and making books to read at home. Rowena sees parents as partners in the learning of the students and makes sure they are actively informed. Strategies and progress are passed on, either in person or through the weekly parental newsletter.
​
Rowena participates in professional development and is also mentor to three other Prep teachers. Her generosity is abundant: when donations are requested for themed events and families forget, the Prep teacher makes the donations herself, so her students are part of the events. 
​“In 15 years of education in Primary, Secondary and Special Education Centres, I have never met a teacher like Mrs Petersen. She deserves recognition as every day she goes above and beyond what is required of her,” says the parent.  
“From the moment my daughter met Mrs Petersen, things changed. She now bounds out of bed, dresses herself and is ready for the exciting new day ahead. My daughter has also become more confident and has learnt how to socialise with her peers thanks to the guidance Mrs Petersen has provided. Our daughter every day becomes a better version of herself.”
​
Congratulations Rowena on your nomination.
Queensland College of Teachers
Level 5, 601 Coronation Drive
​Toowong Qld 4066
Call (07) 3377 4777
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  • Home
  • TEACHX AWARDS
    • 2019 TEACHX Winners
    • 2019 TEACHX Finalists
    • 2019 TEACHX Nominees >
      • Beginning to Teach Award Nominees 2019
      • OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL COMMUNITY AWARD NOMINEES 2019
      • Excellence in Teaching Award Nominees 2019
      • Innovation in Teaching Award Nominees 2019
      • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award Nominees 2019
      • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award Nominees 2019
  • Teacher Stories
    • Teaching graduates meet tough standards
    • Rachel Downie
    • The importance of teachers
    • Marsden State High School has the answer to keeping beginning teachers in the classroom
    • Exceptional support for early career teachers in Far North Queensland
    • QBECT
    • 2018 Awards >
      • 2018 Winners
      • 2018 Finalists
      • 2018 Nominees >
        • Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award
        • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award
        • Excellence in Teaching Award
        • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award
        • Outstanding Contribution to School Community Award
    • 2017 Awards >
      • 2017 Winners
      • 2017finalists
      • 2017 nominees >
        • Excellence in Beginning to Teach
        • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning
        • Excellence in Teaching
        • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching
    • 2016 Awards >
      • Excellence in Beginning to Teach
      • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning
      • Excellence in Teaching
      • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching
    • HAT and LT >
      • Meet the Assessors
      • Ruth Graham
      • Tracey Peden
      • Helen and Dwayne
      • Carly Sopronick
      • Jessica Roberts
      • Jessica Roth
    • OAM >
      • Kathryn George, OAM
      • Keith Graham, OAM
      • Dr Judith Grimes, OAM
      • Michael Goodwin, OAM
      • Steve Parle, OAM
      • Dr Lyn Bishop, OAM
      • Dr Catherine Day, OAM
    • Taryn Gollshewsky
    • Vanuatu
    • NAIDOC >
      • NAIDOC Week 2017
      • NAIDOC Week 2016
    • QLD Day >
      • Bundaberg East State School
      • St Catherine's Catholic College
      • Mornington Island State School
      • Queensland Week 2016
    • ANZAC
  • Anxiety and trauma―an expert’s advice