Woman's volunteering brings perfect job

Jade Purcell (centre) with a few members of her happy Cherbourg State School prep class

Jade Purcell was a high school dropout. Now she wants to become a teacher.

Classroom volunteer work led to a paid teacher’s aide role at Cherbourg State School, and Jade’s now thinking about taking things further.

“It’s nice to work at something you love to do,” she said.

Jade, from Murgon, left school after year 10 and was working as a general hand and cleaner at Cherbourg Respite Centre.

But she wanted to become involved with the education of her only child — son Alonzo — and began to help in his prep room. “I loved watching the children learn things,” she said.

Prep teacher Vanessa Sansby encouraged Jade toward a teachers’ aide position at Cherbourg State School. She is now thinking of continuing on to become a teacher but realises she will have to improve her education.

School principal Peter Sansby says Jade is made of the right stuff to succeed.

“Jade’s great with the kids and with a little encouragement and determination I’m sure she’ll reach her goal,” he said.

“We need more Indigenous teachers and I’d encourage anyone wanting to help at the school to come to see me.”

Jade encouraged more people to become involved with the school and their children’s education.

 “It would be good for them and their kids when they grow older to see their parents working and enjoying their job,” she said.

“Work makes me happier. It gives me a reason for getting up early in Murgon and coming to school in Cherbourg.

“Alonzo loves going there and I love being a part of his day.”