Christina Poletto will be welcomed as principal of St Joseph's Primary School in Childers next year and is looking forward to what her new role will bring.
Christina said she always knew she was going to be a teacher in a Catholic school from as early as six years of age, but she never imagined becoming a leader of one.
Now, after 23 years of dedication to the all-round academic and faith development of young students, Ms Poletto’s teaching and leadership abilities have been recognised earning the top job as Principal of St Joseph’s primary, Childers beginning in 2022.
This will be Ms Poletto’s first-ever appointment in serving the Childer’s community after a role as the Assistant Principal Religious Education (APRE) at Star of the Sea Catholic Primary, Torquay for the last seven years.
She comes to her new position well qualified having recently completed Brisbane Catholic Education’s ‘Women – Breakthrough to Principalship’ program run in conjunction with the University of Queensland, including holding a Masters Degree in Religious Education and a long history in a number of teaching and leadership roles in the Brisbane Catholic Education system.
“I never saw myself as ever being in the driver’s seat, but another school Principal recognised my ability to take the reins. I think it took someone else to see the leadership qualities in me, for me to recognise them in myself and to grow in confidence,” Ms Poletto said.
According to her current staff members at Star of the Sea Primary, Ms Poletto has many outstanding leadership qualities and will be sadly missed by her colleagues, parents and the students themselves.
Principal Nathan Wilson said she certainly had shown commitment and enriched the religious life at Star of the Sea.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Ms Poletto. I will certainly miss her support,” he said.
“Christina has played a significant role in developing the faith formation of staff, students and their families.”
Ms Poletto said she was humbled to have this opportunity to be a leader at St Joseph’s Primary Childers.
“I try to read to the prep students most days and I am reminded of what a privilege it is to be involved in the lives of many students.”
She says the greatest challenge in her new role next year will be getting to know on a personal level all 100 pupils and their families at St Joseph’s Primary.
“I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work with a small, close-knit school community, and to build a sense of trust and continue to build upon the good work that Principal Petra Hass has already achieved,” Ms Poletto said.
“I want to become part of the St Joseph’s school community and build successful partnerships in learning between students, teachers, parents and pastors.”
“Teaching is a rewarding profession, especially fulfilling when your students come back to you and tell you what a difference you have made in their lives.
“I never wanted to do anything but teach,” she said.
“Even now, I couldn’t imagine teaching anywhere else but in Catholic schools.”
Ms Poletto remembers her first ever job teaching was a class of Year 5 students at Holy Spirit Catholic Primary in Cranbrook, a suburb of Townsville.
“I clearly remember I had 32 students in my class who were all very excited to have me as their teacher and threw a big surprise birthday party for me!
“As an educator we must always be prepared to continue to learn. There are always better ways to do things and to improve. It’s important to never be afraid to fail and to access the wealth of knowledge that is around us in Catholic schools as we have so many wonderful and positive role models.”
