• Teaching graduates from the class of 2020 attend on-campus graduation ceremonies at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst this week
• Close to 600 graduates and 1,800 guests attended the ceremonies, which were postponed last year due to COVID-19  
• Graduation ceremonies included the same features as previous years – alumni speakers, professional photography, medal presentations and a hospitality area for socialising

Attending their on-campus graduation ceremony can now be crossed off the bucket list for teaching graduates from Charles Sturt University’s class of 2020.

They were among close to 600 graduates and 1,800 guests attending one of eight ceremonies at Charles Sturt in Bathurst this week.

Four teaching graduates that celebrated at the Bathurst campus reflected on the important milestone and their first six months as a regional teacher.

Ms Amber Benson is now teaching in at Dubbo West public school, she said that her first teaching role has been very rewarding and challenging.

“Charles Sturt University was really good for me because it helped me build a close community with friends and lecturers, it was very supportive,” she said.

“Graduating today was exciting, it was really nice to walk across the stage having my family watch, and obviously with my close friends here too.”

Ms Anneke Pretorius is working at Sofala Public school, a school of six students that she teaches all in one class.

“I teach kindergarten to Year 6, which is challenging because you have the wide range of content but it’s very satisfying, especially when the students have those ‘aha’ moments,’ she said.

Ms Pretorius said that Charles Sturt taught her how to manage her time and to put priorities into place, which had been helpful especially now she is in a workplace that is so varied.

Ms Jessica Matthews was inspired to become a teacher by Mrs Worthington, who was a teacher when she was a student at Assumption school in Bathurst.

“I am currently working at Blayney Public School. I work across multiple stages so you need to be really adaptable, but I have learnt so much already being able to work with such a wide range of kids,” Ms Matthews said.

“The practical experience we had while studying at Charles Sturt was great, I am now teaching at where I did my last practical placement, so felt really comfortable starting my career in a familiar place.”

Ms Rachel Vickery is now teaching at Bathurst South Public School and this Monday will start with her first full-time class, a composite Year 5 and 6 class.

“It’s very exciting to get my first class. South Bathurst is such a great school, it works really hard to give those children that need it a little bit of extra support and help,” she said.

Ms Vickery said Charles Sturt also helped her to become more organised and manage her time, she developed a close knit group of friends and the practical placements were by far the best part of the experience.

The final round of on-campus graduation ceremonies for the class of 2020 will start at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga on Tuesday 15 June.

Close to 550 graduates and 1,650 guests are expected to attend the eight Wagga Wagga ceremonies.