Around 40 Bachelor of Learning Management students gathered at CQU Bundaberg recently to celebrate the completion of assessment for their degree.

Executive director for Education Queensland Wide Bay North District, Paula Anderson, was full of praise for the students.

Ben Spargo, Julia Webster, Rachael Ferling and Rhonda Gray present their final asessment project, 'e.ssentials'

"The professional challenge and responsibility of teachers is complex," said Ms Anderson.

"Its pivotal force is your capacity to change the life direction of your students and their generation," she said.

"It is a complex and demanding role that you should be proud to have chosen."

Students joined their families, friends and CQU Bundaberg staff to celebrate the beginning of the next leg of their professional journey - the role of the practitioner.

Ms Anderson encouraged the students to embrace change as a catalyst towards achieving their teaching goals, rather than allowing it to dictate its own outcomes.

"Change is the only constant in a teacher's life - you can either have change done to you or you can be excited by it and use it as a means to reach your own professional goals," she said.

"You are entering an incredibly significant profession with great social influence - it is evident that the professional ethos is already present in you - the graduands of 2007."

Ms Anderson's sentiment was echoed by Paul Murphy of the Rockhampton Diocese Catholic Education Office.

Student's mother Beth Goodsell, her daughter Rebekah Goodsell (BLM Primary) and Gay Ridge (Principal of St John's Primary School, Bundaberg). Gay, who is due to retire, said Rebekah proved to be a conscientious and talented student teacher during her placement at St John's"Class content, skills and strategies are all important but the thing your students will remember and respond to best is who you are," Mr Murphy said.

"You will be teaching your students who you are - the heart of education is the education of the heart," he said.

BLM lecturer Dr Helen Huntly acknowledged the support of Bundaberg Head of Campus, Phillip Clift, and thanked the students for their hard work and passion.

Special tribute was paid to the students' support networks, Bundaberg regional schools - principals, practical work coordinators and teachers - without whom the BLM would not exist.

Particular recognition was given to BLM Secondary graduands for their dedicated pursuit of excellence even when study was difficult.

Meanwhile, more than 70 BLM students gathered at Rockhampton's Heritage Hotel this week for a similar end-of-course celebration. They were also congratulated by school and university representatives.

BLM Primary students John Steemson and David Felstead share notes before celebrating. David hopes to continue study with a Graduate Diploma in Psychology while working as a teacher. John needs to complete a practical placement next year and hopes to eventually work as a guidance officer.
Addressing the Rockhampton cohort: Gayle Cunningham- Assistant to the Director: Curriculum, Diocesan Catholic Education Office

Addressing the Rockhampton cohort is Professor Richard Smith
Narelle Sauer gives a speech on behalf of students
Students enjoying the BLM celebration in Rockhampton