Former Caboolture student Ryan St John’s journey into teaching began in Brisbane Catholic Education classrooms and has continued into his own Year 3 classroom, shaped by early school experience, university study and scholarship support.
A Caboolture Student’s Path Into Education
Ryan St John’s journey into teaching began with his own years as a Brisbane Catholic Education student in Caboolture.
A Gamilaroi man, Ryan attended St Peter’s Primary School, Caboolture and St Columban’s College, Caboolture before moving towards a career in education. His interest in teaching developed while he was in Year 11, when he learnt more about teaching as a career and became aware of BCE’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teacher Aide program.
That early opportunity gave him a practical introduction to classroom life from the perspective of an educator. It also helped him understand what teaching involved before he entered the profession.
Ryan later studied a Bachelor of Education at Australian Catholic University, supported through a BCE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teaching scholarship.
From Caboolture Schools To A Year 3 Classroom
Ryan is now a Year 3 teacher at St Flannan’s School in Zillmere, the same school where he previously worked as a teacher aide while completing his education degree.
His move into teaching followed a steady pathway through school, classroom experience and university study. The teacher aide role allowed him to gain experience in a school environment while continuing his education, giving him a stronger foundation before becoming a classroom teacher.
This year’s teaching role also carries an added connection. Ryan had previously worked with the same students as a teacher aide when they were in Year 2, before becoming their Year 3 teacher.
That existing relationship has helped teacher and students settle into the school year with familiarity already in place.
Education Journey Shared During National Reconciliation Week
Ryan’s story was shared during National Reconciliation Week, held from 27 May to 3 June, as part of a focus on shared histories, cultures and achievements in Australia.
His experience highlights the role of teacher aide pathways and scholarship support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students considering careers in education. Through the pathway, Ryan was able to gain classroom experience, continue formal study and receive support while preparing to become a teacher.
He has reflected on the importance of education to First Nations communities and the way teaching can contribute back through the classroom.
A Full-Circle Path From Student To Teacher
For Ryan, the journey from Caboolture student to classroom teacher has been shaped by several connected steps: his own schooling, early exposure to teaching, teacher aide experience, university study and scholarship support.
His story shows how a student’s first understanding of teaching can grow into a career when practical experience and study are brought together.
From St Peter’s Primary School and St Columban’s College in Caboolture to a Year 3 classroom at St Flannan’s School, Ryan’s pathway reflects a steady move through education and back into the classroom as a teacher.
Published 2-June-2026
Photo Credit: Supplied
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