RiTE @ St John Paul College

Our school is proud to be part of the RiTE Initiative, a transformative program in partnership with Southern Cross University designed to elevate the quality of teaching and learning within our community. Through this initiative, we become a ‘teaching school,’ where dedicated, highly qualified educators mentor Associate Teachers as they gain valuable, hands-on classroom experience.

This initiative will enhance the quality of education for your child. By bringing in fresh perspectives and innovative teaching strategies, the RiTE Initiative helps all teachers grow in their practice. It supports the development of future teachers while enriching the skills and insights of our current educators, creating an environment that is even more responsive to student needs.

This initiative is more than just a training program; it’s an investment in creating exceptional learning experiences for every student, now and in the years to come.

Role of the RTC

The Resident Teaching Consultant (RTC) is a key leadership role held by an experienced educator dedicated to enhancing teaching quality and fostering professional growth within the school community. Serving on a temporary basis, our Resident Teaching Consultants support their Associate Teachers by mentoring them through facilitated targeted training sessions and developing the implementation of innovative instructional practices. This role aligns with specific initiatives that aim to raise educational standards and improve student-teacher outcomes. This position allows the consultant to focus intensively on advancing teaching excellence and returns them to their regular teaching role upon completion of the initiative.

Introducing the RTC

The Resident Teaching Consultant (RTC) is an accomplished educator assigned a temporary leadership role within a school dedicated to elevating teaching quality and fostering professional development. Acting as a bridge between academic theory and classroom practice, RTCs mentor Associate Teachers, facilitate training, implement innovative teaching methods, and refine instructional strategies. They collaborate closely with university staff to provide real-time, context-specific learning experiences, including on-site tutorials and ‘just-in-time’ sessions that reinforce the alignment between theory and practice. RTCs work on targeted, time-bound initiatives aimed at improving teaching standards and student outcomes, integrating seamlessly into the school’s strategic goals with the support of school leadership.

Resident Teaching Consultants:

St Joseph's Primary, Tweed Heads - Victoria Atkinson
St Ambrose Catholic Primary, Pottsville - Chelsea Carter
St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour - Patricia Furey
St Augustine's Primary, Coffs Harbour & Mary Help of Christians Primary, Sawtell - Craig Warnes

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge that our school resides on the Lands of the Gumbaynggirr Nation.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians who have walked and cared for this land for thousands of years and their descendants who maintain these spiritual connections and traditions.

We pay our respect to Elders past, present and future leaders.

We reflect on the millions of footprints that travelled the Dreaming pathways and continue to walk this land today. The Land we are on now, the land we live, work, breathe, eat and sleep: always was and always will be Aboriginal Land.

We walk alongside the custodians of this beautiful country, Australia, as we seek Voice, Treaty and Truth.