Newly qualified teachers at Catholic schools across the Archdiocese have been encouraged to be ‘ambassadors of Christ’.

They got together at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh for a day of tips and guidance before Mass in St Margaret’s Chapel, celebrated by Archbishop Cushley.

He said: “It’s always a pleasure to welcome the newly graduated teachers who are going to work in our Catholic schools.

“It’s a chance to get to know them, to pray with them and help finalise their preparations for going out as ambassadors because, as far as we’re concerned, the most important thing they will do is be ambassadors for Christ.

“We look forward to supporting them in this important mission.”

The day was organised by Eileen Rafferty, RE advisor for schools, who said: “We looked at the Charter for Catholic Schools and the implications for their daily practice.

“It was important to highlight that the way we conduct ourselves and the example we set can be as important and influential to children and fellow staff as what we actually teach.

“The teachers gave positive feedback, saying the day helped enhanced their skills and increase their confidence and that’s what we in the St Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese strive to do.”

We asked some of the new teachers what they most look forward to in their teaching vocation.