David Tomba began teaching in 2019 in the Physical Education and Science faculty of Noosa District State High School and soon became both an advocate for mental health and the Sports Coordinator. He organised representative sport for 1200 students, as well as inner school swimming, athletics, cross-country competitions, and the school's biathlon.

Through his efforts, the swimming carnival, a typically low-attendance event, reached its highest attendance in a decade.

In his first year as a teacher, he hosted the Noosa District's Athletics Carnival. “To put it bluntly, it was quite overwhelming,” he said.

“It was one of the wettest six months that we’ve had, and I’d had to organise and postpone every event to date at least twice.”

Known for never letting setbacks get in the way of great student experiences, he took on the challenge and developed a highly successful event.

The impact Mr Tomba has on his students goes well beyond sports. He is also praised for his dedication to their wellbeing, mental health, and engagement.

Under his guidance as Year 10 Coordinator in 2021, the cohort achieved more than 90% attendance from 49.5% to 64.2% in just six months.

“I enforce the message that only you can change your outcomes in life,” he said.

“I ask of them only one thing. Be honest with yourself and give it your best shot. Wake up every morning and honestly be able to say that you are a better person today than you were yesterday.”

He also developed the Achilles Program, an initiative designed to engage male students at risk of disengaging from school.

Mr Tomba and a colleague participated in the Renegotiating Anger and Guilty Emotions (RAGE) Facilitator Professional Development, and quickly saw the benefits for this group of students. After an external facilitator was unable to attend, Mr Tomba and his colleague took on the facilitation role. Originally scheduled for 10 weeks, the program expanded to 20.

“Although the behaviour didn’t improve overnight, the boys were beginning to own their behaviour and how their reactions would escalate situations,” he said.

All participants in the program are now either in the final stages of completing their year 12 studies with a QCE or have gained full-time apprenticeships.

With maturity, vision and skills far beyond what might be expected of a new teacher, Mr Tomba consistently inspires students, staff, families and the community with his passion for teaching and commitment to students.

Mr Tomba is a finalist at the Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX awards, in the Excellence in Beginning to Teach category.

Winners will be announced October 27th, on the eve of World Teachers Day in Queensland.