There was a sense of anticipation and pride in the air at the Caroline Chisholm Centre on 27 January, as Catholic Schools Broken Bay celebrated its newest cohort of aspiring and early career teachers at the 2026 Exemplary Teacher Incentive Program Presentation Ceremony.
School and system leaders, families and friends gathered to honour the recipients who will begin or continue their teaching journey in CSBB schools this year. For many in the room, the ceremony marked not just the start of a career, but the beginning of a vocation.
Earlier in the day, both new and continuing ETIP recipients took part in a dynamic professional learning and networking program. Workshops led by CSBB’s Highly Accomplished Teachers and system experts focused on practical, classroom ready strategies including creating calm and connected learning environments, partnering effectively with parents and practising respectful redirection.
The sessions were intentionally hands on, designed to ensure recipients felt confident and well prepared. As one participant reflected, “It is reassuring to know that we are not stepping into this alone. There is a whole community investing in our growth.”
Fr David Ranson, Vicar General, whose prayer and reflection set a warm and hopeful tone for the evening, reminded the new teachers that their work would carry both responsibility and grace.
Director of Schools Danny Casey spoke passionately about the central role teachers play in realising CSBB’s strategic vision, Shaping Tomorrow Together in Faith.
“Exceptional teachers shape more than academic outcomes,” Danny said. “They shape character, hope and possibility. When we invest in teachers, we are investing in the future of every child entrusted to our care.”
He highlighted the significant progress made in CSBB’s preservice teacher programs, including strengthened university partnerships and more than 1,200 preservice teachers completing professional experience placements in CSBB schools over the past four years. Through the ETIP Program alone, 71 high potential educators have now been secured to the system, a powerful testament to the program’s impact.
Opening the ceremony, Lisa Boys, Tertiary Partnerships and Pre Service Teacher Programs Coordinator, reflected on the transformative influence of great teachers. Drawing on the symbolism of light, a theme woven throughout the celebration, she described teaching as “the lighting of a fire,” echoing both the words of poet W.B. Yeats and the Gospel message proclaimed earlier in the evening.
“Your gifts, your passion and your commitment,” Lisa told the recipients, “will illuminate the path for countless students in the years ahead.”
Guests also heard from Trish Biok, Principal of Our Lady of the Rosary, Waitara, who spoke about the privilege of welcoming early career teachers into school communities. “Our schools thrive when new teachers bring fresh energy, curiosity and courage,” she said. “You will be formed by your students just as much as you form them.”
Ryley Delmage, a recently graduated ETIP recipient, offered a perspective from someone who has recently walked the same path. “There will be moments that stretch you,” Ryley shared, “but there will also be moments that remind you exactly why you chose this calling. Lean into the support around you. It makes all the difference.”
As the evening concluded, there was a shared sense of hope, not only for the careers beginning, but for the many young lives that will be shaped by this new generation of educators.
CSBB warmly congratulates its newest ETIP cohort and wishes each recipient every success as they step forward to light the way in our schools.
