Julie Miles has devoted decades to Catholic education, bringing a deep love of science and an unwavering commitment to student wellbeing to her work at St Michael’s College, Merrimac. A highly experienced secondary science teacher, Julie has taught students across Years 7 to 12 and served as Head of Science for more than a decade before transitioning to part-time teaching. Raised in a family of educators and shaped by a lifelong Catholic faith, Julie’s career reflects a strong belief in the power of relationships, pastoral care and helping young people discover both knowledge and purpose.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I come from a teaching family, with both my dad and grandfather being teachers, as well as a number of aunts and uncles (and now cousins too). I grew up next to a school when I was young as dad was placed with Queensland State Education into small country towns, often as the only teacher at a one teacher school. On holidays we would visit my grandfather and stay in a house beside a school as he was principal of a primary school. I grew up thinking everything revolved around schools! But as I progressed into high school, I started to realise it was what I also wanted to do as a career.
Can you share a moment in your career where you really felt you made a difference?
We care for young people and build great relationships with students who often say you have made a difference in their lives. I love hearing success stories from past students and what they have achieved post schooling. Only recently I was thanked by one of my Year 12 Chemistry students for instilling in her a love of science.
Is there a story from your time teaching that has inspired you or had a deep impact on you?
One is when my mother was very sick in hospital and I had to leave a Year 12 class to rush to her side. When I returned the next day I walked into the same class to be greeted by the students with best wishes and genuine care for my mum and her health. We care for kids but sometimes we forget they care for us also. And of course, the very reason we all teach – the moment that “light bulb” goes on for a student and they just ‘get’ the concept you are explaining, happens a lot in senior sciences and it just feels so good to be a teacher at that moment!
How does your faith shape your teaching approach?
I was raised Catholic and spent most of my school years in Catholic schools (when there were still lots of religious orders teaching). My faith has been an anchor point my whole life, and I chose to spend most of my teaching life in Catholic schools. Having taught in other systems I always felt more at home in a Catholic school. I love the way we care about the whole person, and everyone in our community, students, staff and families. My Catholic faith allows me to really embrace the pastoral side of teaching and caring for all.
What’s the most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school?
The pastoral element. It is in our nature to care, and that care is the basis of all we do, whether it be in how we plan our lessons, how we role-model to each other and students, or how we treat the most vulnerable in our community. We all matter, and that makes us belong. Catholic schools do this so well. I love that we celebrate important events with mass. It centres our achievements to our faith beliefs.
What do you think is the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society?
Being an example of how to be, love and grow as a person in a contemporary society with all of today’s challenges. Allowing children to mature in a safe and guided environment where they can challenge parameters whilst being supported and safe.