General News
6 December, 2025
Loyal teacher honoured
GOOD Counsel Primary School, Innisfail is celebrating in style after Andrea Devaney claimed the coveted primary teacher award at the prestigious Cairns Catholic Education Services Docemus Awards.
Mrs Devaney received the award for fostering strong relationships with staff, students and parents through her open-door policy and a dedicated commitment to enhancing student learning. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to lead by example and her classroom practice is innovative, engaging students at every academic level.
“My mum Sue was a teacher, and I had inspirational teachers, especially Mr Linnett in grade 6, who taught the most amazing maths lessons,” Mrs Devaney said.
Mrs Devaney completed her primary and secondary schooling in Gatton, then attained a Bachelor of Education degree at University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba. Her first teaching role was at Good Counsel Primary School in 2002, then at St Rita’s Primary School, South Johnstone for 14 years before returning to Good Counsel Primary.
"Throughout my teaching career, I strive for ‘service to others’," she said.
“Jesus taught us to serve rather than be served. As a teacher, you live this motto by putting students’ needs first, as well as showing patience, kindness and care for each child.”
“Two of my role models are Maria Caltabiano, APRE at Good Counsel Primary School, who has always provided advice and support, and Lynne Guli, who taught grade one at the school for many years and was the most incredible and dedicated teacher.”
The Cairns Docemus awards were founded in 2002 in recognition of the outstanding contribution to Catholic education by the late Tom Doolan. Mr Doolan was a teacher, principal, administrator, assistant director and diocesan director of Cairns Catholic Education.
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