RATEP - WHO ARE WE?

RATEP is a community based teacher education program for Indigenous students that was started in Queensland in the early 1990s. It has operated in this area since 1994 when it was started at Napranum, moving to Weipa at the end of 2005 when Jessica Point State School was closed. It is a partnership between Education Queensland, James Cook University and TFNQ TAFE. There have been a total of 127 teachers who have graduated through the RTEP Program. In 2009, there are 20 centres throughout Queensland with 50 students enrolled in Bachelor of Education degrees through James Cook University, Townsville and 105 enrolled in Certificate or Diploma courses through Tropical North Queensland TAFE in Cairns.

Weipa RATEP, previously Napranum RATEP, has the enviable record of producing 15 graduates with Bachelor of Education degrees from JCU, as well as many more with Diplomas and Certificates from TAFE. At Western Cape College, there are 6 teachers, 3 assistant teachers and 3 teacher aides who have done or are completing their studies through RATEP. At present, there are 4 students completing a Bachelor of Education from JCU, Townsville, one student completing her Cert IV and 2 High School students completing a Certificate III in Education through TAFE in Cairns.

Mary Ann Thompson took over the role of Teacher Coordinator two years ago after the retirement of long serving coordinator, Carrie Gay.

Heidi Booth "I have worked as a Teacher Aide at Mapoon Campus since I completed my schooling at WCC 5 years ago. I completed my Diploma two years ago through RATEP and am now doing the 3rd year of my Education degree. With becoming a teacher, I aspire to help my community by offering my skills and community knowledge to teach the future children of Mapoon."

Rebecca Namok  "I completed my Diploma in Education through TAFE last year and am now doing 2nd year at JCU towards my Education degree. I am also a Teacher Aide at the WCC Junior School. I completed Grade 12 at WCC in 2007 and completed a Cert III and Cert IV in Education while still at school. Joining RATEP has been a great opportunity and a great experience. "

Lorraine Idai is an Assistant Teacher with the Grade 6 classes at WCC and is in the final year of her Education degree.

Danielle Idai-Jawai and Marli Jia Craige are Grade 12 students at WCC who are currently doing Cert III in Education as well as studying 5 OP eligible subjects. Danielle spends time on a Wednesday in a Grade 1 classroom and Marli helps out with Grade 6.

Chana Graham is a Teacher Aide with one of the Prep classes who has just completed her Bachelor of Education.

Lynette Koina is in 4th year studies at JCU. She has deferred for this semester but hopes to finish her Bachelor of Education degree next year.

Natasha Brunne has recently transferred to Weipa from Bamaga RATEP and is currently completing her Cert IV studies. She is doing her prac in Year 6.

Anyone interested in studying through the RATEP Program should contact Mary Ann Thompson on 40906401 or by email [email protected].

Weipa RATEP has finally been provided with a new home after being in temporary accommodation since Napranum Campus closed and is now settling into their new building.