For nearly four decades, Wayne Forrest has dedicated his career to helping young people discover their strengths, pursue their goals and believe in their potential. As Head of Future Pathways at St Michael’s College, Merrimac, Wayne works closely with students to open doors to meaningful futures, whether through further study, apprenticeships, traineeships or employment.
A finalist in Brisbane Catholic Education’s 2026 NGS Super Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in Secondary School, Wayne is recognised for his outstanding contribution to student learning and wellbeing, and for the life-changing pathways he helps create beyond the classroom.
Inspired by teachers who saw the whole person
Wayne’s journey into teaching was shaped by his own experience of Catholic education. As a student at St Joseph’s College, Ferntree Gully, he was inspired by teachers who invested in young people as individuals, not just learners.
“I was fortunate to have had a great Catholic education,” Wayne said.
“A teacher named Fr Dennis Handley had a profound impact on me. He taught Geography, but more importantly, he taught the person. He invested heavily in his students and inspired me to become a teacher myself.”
That example has remained a guiding influence throughout Wayne’s career, which began in Melbourne in 1989 and has included a range of leadership roles focused on student development and wellbeing.
Helping students find their future
Today, Wayne combines his leadership role with teaching Year 8 Religious Education, something he describes as one of the highlights of his week.
His work as Head of Future Pathways sees him support students through a wide range of opportunities, including work experience programs and school-based apprenticeships and traineeships across industries such as construction, automotive, health, marine services and trades.
For Wayne, success is not measured solely by academic outcomes, but by helping students find a pathway that suits their gifts, interests and aspirations.
The lasting impact of connection
Like many educators, Wayne believes the true impact of teaching is often only revealed years later.
“It’s only upon reflection that we get to contemplate the impact we may have had on our students,” he said.
One particularly memorable moment came when he unexpectedly met a former student at the AFL Grand Final.
“Hearing him reflect on moments from our Year 12 Geography class and Year 10 cricket meant the world to me.”
Another experience continues to inspire him every day. A former student once wrote to thank him for believing in him during a challenging period of his life.
“The student wrote that my belief in him had inspired a belief in himself,” Wayne said.
“That letter inspires me every day to continue trying to make a difference.”
Faith in action
TWayne credits his Catholic faith with shaping both his outlook and his approach to education.
“My faith gives me hope,” he said.
“It reminds me that everyone is on a journey. Young people make mistakes and need guidance, and we need to keep turning up each day with a hopeful spirit.”
For Wayne, Catholic education is about more than teaching values. It is about striving to live them.
“It’s no good teaching Year 8 students about the Cardinal Virtues if you aren’t working on living them yourself.”
The power of community
Asked what makes Catholic education unique, Wayne points to the sense of belonging and community that sits at its heart.
“Catholic education instils a sense of community and provides a stable environment for all involved,” he said.
“When families choose Catholic education, they are not simply choosing a school. They are becoming part of a community.”
He also believes some of the most powerful aspects of Catholic education are the moments that encourage students to reflect on who they are and where they belong.
“Reflection days and opportunities to connect with others help young people understand themselves and appreciate the experiences of those around them,” he said.
“It’s those small things we sometimes take for granted that make Catholic education so special.” As Wayne continues to guide students towards confident and purposeful futures, his story is a reminder that great educators do more than teach subjects. They help young people discover their potential, build belief in themselves and find their place in the world.