After a year of close mentoring by their school mentor teachers, four Bachelor of Learning Management students selected for the 2012 Morayfield Centre of Excellence graduated on December 8 in front of family and friends.

Kylie Barrand and Di Barrett (Bundaberg), Katie Chaseling (Noosa) and Anita Stockwell (Emerald) completed their year-long experience in Education Queensland schools located in low socio-economic regions.

Prof Helen Huntly (right) with L-R Di Barrett, Kylie Barrand and Katie Chaseling

Funded by National Partnerships money, the Morayfield Centre of Excellence aims to select high-achieving pre-service teachers and place them in a well-supported, yet challenging, school environment.

The additional learning focuses on the development of numeracy and literacy skills of the primary and secondary students enrolled at the associated schools.

The CQUniversity participants were praised by the Head of Mentoring, Kerri Holzwart, who said that the University should be very proud of their achievements.

In her speech on behalf of the graduates, Di Barrett conveyed her appreciation to the Morayfield team, especially the mentor teachers who gave freely of their time throughout the year.

Dean of Education & the Arts, Professor Helen Huntly also expressed her pride in the graduates.

"These high-achieving students will go on to be high-achieving beginning teachers and will be a definite asset to the school communities in which they will live and work," Professor Huntly said.

Three more Bachelor of Learning Management students have already been selected for next year's Centre of Excellence.