CQU final-year Bachelor of Learning Management (BLM) students celebrated (Oct 12) the conclusion of their degree program with an afternoon to share the final learning tasks with their prospective employers, teaching staff at the University and invited guests.

Dr Helen Huntly (Sub-Dean Bundaberg) welcomed students and guests to this event which showcased demonstrations of entrepreneurial professionals in practice.

One group of students negotiated with Bundaberg Mayor Councillor Kay McDuff to develop a learning package using Alexandra Park.

Councillor McDuff has already acknowledged the enthusiasm and quality shown by the students. It is expected that in coming months, the product of this endeavour will be incorporated into the council website.

Other students have built survival kits for beginning teachers, collated resources for early childhood teachers and constructed futuristic web-based learning experiences.

Students at the celebration were addressed by Mayor McDuff and Denis James, the Executive Director of Schools for the Bundaberg District.

Dr Huntly thanked the students for choosing CQU to study Primary and Early Childhood Education and Middle School Education.

“The Bundaberg Education District is extremely supportive of CQU’s education initiatives. This support combined with the professional dedication of our staff is central to the success of education programs at CQU Bundaberg,” she said.

Head of Campus, Professor Alex Grady addressed the students expressing thanks for the eagerness with which they approach their studies.

“If you in turn engender the same enthusiasm among your students, you’ll have the job done,” he said.

Mr James offered hope for students seeking work as vacancies may be created by more experienced teachers taking advantage of new professional development opportunities being offered next year.

He encouraged graduating students to undertake life-long learning and to “grab any opportunity that arises".

"Bundaberg District is tapping into the entrepreneurial contributions of everyday teachers who gather and use resources from the community,” he said.

“These teachers enrich the classroom experience and children are always our top priority.”.

Mr James indicated that a Summer School for new teachers and graduates will be held again at the University in January 2005. Bundaberg is the only District that offers this professional development opportunity in Queensland. Workshops covering a range of topics from behaviour management and middle schooling to the new maths syllabus will be presented.