Toni Brook
Sheldon College

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Prep students at Sheldon College are engaging in a fine motor skills program guided by an occupational therapist and their teacher Toni Brook.

Toni’s exceptional delivery of the Australian Curriculum has led to her being nominated for the Queensland College of Teachers Excellence in Teaching Award.

Each week, Toni has her Prep students engage with gross motor skill coordination games and fine motor activities that complement academic learning, as she is passionate about developing the whole child.

Toni has also utilised a connection her college has created with Coconut Island State School – a campus of Tagai State College in the Torres Strait – to deepen her and her students’ understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and linguistics.
 
She says she believes teaching is what she is meant to do in life, and she is in her “happy place” teaching Prep.

“Some days are tough but at the end of the day I can sit there and realise that I taught someone something new today.  I helped someone learn a new skill and I’ve been a part of that,” Toni says.

Sheldon College Director of Early Learning Michelle Luhrmann says Toni prioritises the relationships she has with her students and their families.

“The way in which Toni is able to engage students of all ability levels and cater to their varying needs and interests is second to none,” Michelle says.

Congratulations Toni on your nomination.

• Story by Jessica Schwilk