Celebrating World Teachers' Day

Today, on World Teacher’s Day we pay tribute to the thousands of teachers in Australia, and particularly our teachers and staff in the Diocese of Parramatta. On this special day we recognise the importance of competent, qualified and motivated teachers in society.

World Teachers’ Day was inaugurated on 5 October 1994 by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to commemorate the joint signing of the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. Internationally, World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on the first Friday in October, however as this is usually during Australian school holidays, it is celebrated in Australia on the last Friday in October of each year.

In his message to teachers and staff in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta, executive director of schools, Greg Whitby said teachers have always held a privileged place in the church and that despite the predictions with the introduction of new technologies teachers continue to play a vital role in schooling.

‘From the very beginning, teachers have enjoyed a privileged place in the life and mission of the Church. The Bishops of NSW and ACT in their pastoral letter Catholic Schools at a Crossroads expressed their gratitude for the work of all teachers, lay and religious, in Catholic schools,’ said Greg.

‘Despite all the predictions that the proliferation of technology and greater access to information will eliminate the need for teachers, teachers are needed now more than ever. The relational nature of teacher-student is vital in today’s world,’ he said. ‘Teachers must know as much about their students as possible to provide a rich and relevant learning experience that enables them to achieve deep learning.’ 

‘I sincerely thank and express admiration for our teachers who, day in and day out, who take this responsibility to heart and take up the challenge of new ways of learning and teaching so as to improve learning outcomes for every one of our students. I also thank our staff in schools and the CEO who support teachers in this valuable work,’ said Greg.

World Teachers’ Day is a great opportunity for teachers, students, parents and the community to celebrate the work of teachers in our schools.

Students in the Parramatta diocese have been recognising their teacher’s contribution in the lead up to World Teachers’ Day by posting messages in the ‘Thank Your Teacher’ media gallery on the Catholic Education website. Here are two examples:

Thanks Miss Natoli. You are the best teacher ever.
Quinn, St Paul the Apostle Primary, Winston Hills

Dear Mrs Tedesco, Thank you for being a nice teacher. You have helped me in many different ways and I feel I have received a good education from you. Thanks for caring for me. Amelia, St Paul the Apostle Primary, Winston Hills

To post your own ‘Thank Your Teacher’ message visit the media gallery.

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