Some stories come full circle in the most beautiful of ways; a perfect example being the journey of Darcy O’Brien, an early career teacher at Redlynch State College in Cairns. Her story is intertwined with the school and community she has called home her entire life, and now, as a teacher, she’s shaping students in the same classrooms that once shaped her.
For Darcy, her connection to Redlynch began long before she stepped into a uniform.
‘I first visited as a 1-week-old baby when my brother brought me as his “show and tell” in Year 2,’ she recalls. Her family has always shared a special bond with the school. Her mum frequently volunteered in her three brothers’ classrooms, and as a young girl, she would happily tag along in her brother’s oversized uniform, bursting with excitement to start school herself.
By the time she began Prep, she already felt at home at Redlynch, quickly forming lifelong friendships and falling in love with learning. Her natural leadership abilities and passion for helping others shone early on.
‘In Year 6, I often spent my lunch breaks helping younger students, which sparked my passion for supporting others,’ she says. Being school captain in both primary and high school further cemented her dream of becoming a teacher.
After completing her teaching degree and professional experience placements in Cairns, including one at Redlynch State College, her goal was clear: to return to the place of so many cherished memories. ‘My third-year placement at Redlynch confirmed that it was where I wanted to begin my teaching career, as I value the school’s strong community spirit and supportive learning environment,’ she explains.
Now in her third year of teaching, she reflects on the surreal experience of returning to the same classroom, this time as the teacher. ‘It feels so special and surreal to be teaching in the same classroom where I was once a student. Looking back at old photos, it amazes me to see that the same space where I once learnt is now filled with my own class,’ she shares.
As a Prep teacher, she revisits childhood memories, recreating the traditions she once loved. ‘I love being able to bring back little memories I cherished, such as taking the class teddy bear home for the weekend, and ‘Fun Fridays’ and creating those same experiences for my students.’
She’s received plenty of support so far in her teaching journey and she credits much of this to the Redlynch community. ‘It’s so rewarding being part of a supportive school community, which has allowed me to build strong relationships with both students and their families,’ she explains. The beautiful backdrop of green mountains adds to the specialness of teaching there, whether she’s on playground duty or teaching lessons outdoors.
Mentorship and guidance from her colleagues and school leaders have further shaped her skills and confidence to help her to become the teacher she had always hoped to be. Additionally, as a beginning teacher, she was also eligible for the department’s
Beginning Teacher Support Payment which provides financial support of up to $20,000 to beginning teachers in regional, rural and remote communities.
‘Programs such as mentoring for early career teachers and the Beginning Teacher Support Payment have also been very helpful in supporting my professional growth and confidence in the classroom,’ she shares.
Reflecting on her journey so far, she says, ‘Teaching is incredibly rewarding. Seeing students’ “lightbulb” moments, watching their progress (especially in Prep), and helping ignite a love of learning in the early years is truly valuable.’
Her advice to preservice and beginning teachers is simple: ‘Be kind to yourself, ride the wave and always remember why you chose to become a teacher. Strive to be that kind, safe and encouraging presence for your students, a place where they feel valued, supported and able to thrive.’
It takes a special kind of dedication and heart to return home and give back to a community that once inspired you. For this teacher at Redlynch State College, teaching isn’t just a profession, it’s her way of continuing a legacy of learning, connection and community spirit.
Inspired by Darcy’s story? If you’re passionate about making a difference in your local community, teaching might be for you.
Explore teaching as a career.