For Margareta Lemon, teaching is more than a profession…it is a vocation grounded in faith, service and a deep belief in the potential of every young person. As Assistant Principal of Integral Ecology and Faith at Sophia College Plainland in Queensland, she is passionate about helping students grow academically, spiritually and personally, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, reflection and action. Drawing on more than 27 years of experience in Catholic education and ministry, Margareta shares how her faith shapes her leadership, the moments that have affirmed her calling, and why she believes Catholic education plays a vital role in forming compassionate, hope-filled leaders for the future.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Several people and experiences inspired me to become a teacher. My high school English and Art teachers were wonderful role models who encouraged me to be myself and helped me recognise my own potential. They showed me the difference that caring, passionate educators can make in a young person’s life. I was also inspired by one of my sisters, who is a teacher. Her commitment to education, particularly her work with marginalised communities and students facing learning barriers, demonstrated the power of education to create opportunities and transform lives. These experiences helped me see teaching as more than a profession. It is a vocation that allows us to nurture young people, help them discover their gifts, and empower them to make a positive contribution to the world around them.
Can you share a moment in your career where you really felt you made a difference?
I have been blessed with many moments that remind me why teaching matters. Recently, a non-Catholic student shared that through Religion classes and service opportunities at our school, she had grown in her own faith and understanding of spirituality. That conversation was deeply affirming. Other moments include seeing former students become teachers themselves and witnessing them inspire the next generation. At a previous school, I supported teenagers through the Rite of Christian Initiation, and several chose to receive their sacraments, including Baptism. Even in Visual Art, when students choose symbols such as the cross to express their identity and values, I see evidence of growth and reflection. These moments remind me that education is often about planting seeds. With patience, encouragement, and care, those seeds can flourish in ways we may never fully see.
Is there a story from your time teaching that has inspired you or had a deep impact on you?
One story that has stayed with me involved a non-Catholic student who shared that she had grown in her own faith through participating in Religion classes and service opportunities at our school. Her reflection was deeply moving because it demonstrated that faith formation is not about telling people what to think but about creating opportunities for dialogue, encounter, and personal reflection. It reminded me that Catholic education can have a profound impact on all students, regardless of their background. Through respectful conversations, shared experiences, and service to others, students can develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and their place in the world. That experience reinforced my belief that when we create welcoming and inclusive learning communities, we help young people grow academically, spiritually, and personally.
How does your faith shape your teaching approach?
By my family and my involvement in the Young Christian Students Movement. My parents modelled a faith that was lived through action, always opening their home and hearts to those in need. This and the YCS formed in me a commitment to the ‘See–Judge–Act’ approach, which encourages reflection, discernment, and action. In my teaching, I strive to make learning meaningful and relevant, helping students recognise how they can contribute positively to their communities. More recently, the Franciscan tradition has influenced me deeply. It has helped me appreciate the simplicity of the Gospel message, to recognise God’s goodness in every person and throughout creation. This perspective encourages me to teach with joy, compassion, and hope, while helping students see their interconnectedness with others and their responsibility to care for our common home.
What’s the most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school?
It’s the opportunity to journey alongside students and their families during some of the most formative years of their lives. Catholic education allows us to support not only academic growth but also the spiritual, social, and emotional development of young people. I value being part of a community where staff are committed to providing excellent education while genuinely caring for the wellbeing of every student. It is a privilege to witness students discover their gifts, develop confidence, and grow into compassionate and responsible young adults. The relationships formed within Catholic schools create a strong sense of community and shared purpose. Knowing that we are helping young people flourish both as learners and as people of character is incredibly fulfilling.
What do you think is the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society?
I believe the most valuable role of Catholic education is helping young people recognise their inherent dignity and the dignity of others. Catholic schools are uniquely placed to open hearts, minds, and eyes to God’s goodness within themselves, within other people, and throughout creation. In enrolment interviews, I often explain to families that everyone studies Religion in our school, not to tell students what they must believe, but to help them develop their own perspectives while also learning to understand and respect the perspectives of others. This is an essential part of becoming a good person and contributing positively to society. In an increasingly complex and divided world, Catholic education teaches students that while we may not always agree, we are called to listen respectfully, engage in dialogue, and seek the common good. It encourages young people to understand that we are interconnected and responsible for one another. I strongly believe that by forming students intellectually, spiritually, and morally, Catholic education helps develop compassionate, thoughtful, and service-oriented leaders. These are the people who will shape the future of our communities and contribute positively to society in the years ahead.