Media releases
Supporting the Next Generation of Speech Pathologists at Toowoomba Catholic Schools
Ella Bruggemann, UniSQ and Laura Brosnan, TCSO
Toowoomba Catholic Schools is proud to support the professional learning journey of future allied health practitioners through meaningful university placement opportunities. One such student is Ella Bruggemann, a speech pathology student from the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), who has been completing her placement with the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office (TCSO) since 23 February.
As part of her placement, Ella has been working closely with Laura Brosnan, Speech Language Pathologist, attending St Anthony’s School, Toowoomba every Monday and Tuesday. From the outset, Ella has embraced the school environment and quickly become a valued part of the St Anthony’s community.
Laura said, “Ella joins me at St Anthony’s on Monday and Tuesday each week and has settled into the St Anthony’s school community with ease. She has demonstrated great growth in her clinical skills and in making connections to the curriculum within our role. Ella will make a great speech pathologist one day!”
St Anthony’s Principal, Keith Blaikie, said placements such as Ella’s benefit both students and the wider school community.
“We are very grateful to welcome university students like Ella into our school,” Mr Blaikie said. “Her professionalism, enthusiasm and willingness to learn have enriched our community, and the work she does supports the learning and wellbeing of our students. Partnerships like this are incredibly valuable for schools and for the development of future professionals.”
Throughout her placement, Ella has had the opportunity to build practical experience, strengthen her clinical capabilities and gain insight into the vital role speech pathologists play within school settings.
Working alongside Laura has allowed Ella to see best-practice speech pathology in action, with a strong focus on collaboration, professionalism and student-centred support.
Reflecting on her experience, Ella shared how valuable the placement has been in shaping her development as a future clinician.
“My time with Laura at St Anthony’s School has been a valuable and enjoyable learning experience that has provided me with the opportunity to gain practical experience and enhance my clinical skills as a speech pathology student,” Ella said.
She also acknowledged the guidance and mentorship she received throughout her placement.
“Laura has been very supportive of my learning journey and has been more than willing to provide me with additional resources, detailed answers to any of my questions, and helpful, constructive feedback. She has been a great role model in demonstrating professionalism and effective speech pathology practice, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from her.”
Placements such as Ella’s highlight Toowoomba Catholic Schools’ commitment to fostering strong partnerships with universities and supporting the development of future professionals - ensuring high-quality support for students now and into the future.
Pictured (L-R): Keith Blaikie, Laura Brosnan, Ella Bruggemann