The University of Notre Dame Australia has changed significantly since Professor Chris Hackett stepped through its doors as part of the inaugural cohort of postgraduate education students in the early 90s; however, he says it has remained true to its roots.
In 1992, Notre Dame’s College of Education opened its doors to about 50 postgraduate students who sought further skills and qualifications attuned to the Catholic school system. Since then, hundreds of education graduates have gone on to seek meaningful employment in Catholic, independent and government schools throughout Australia and internationally.
“I was excited by the prospect of studying at a Catholic university that could provide postgraduate studies in my specific area of teaching – religious education,” Professor Hackett said.
“I felt that Notre Dame would be the place that reflected my experiences of teaching in a Catholic school – a place that would take a keen interest in its students, people who supported and promoted a Catholic ethos and provided a high quality of tertiary education.”
Education and Arts student Sophie Monisse said she enjoys the ‘town university’ experience of Notre Dame with classes in some of the most historically significant buildings in Fremante.
“I chose to study teaching at Notre Dame for the community feel of learning in Fremantle and the university’s strong emphasis on practicum,” she said.
“Being able to go to a school and experience life as an educator is really rewarding and will benefit me greatly in my future career.”