Three of the teachers, Emily Sharp, Belinda Downey and Caroline Smith, trained together at Charles Sturt University, while Susan Chant, who trained at the Australian Catholic University in Canberra, is now in her fourth year of teaching.

All agree they are part of a profession which continues to face new challenges.

"One of the biggest challenges really is trying to get everything done in time,” said Caroline Chant.

Her colleague Belinda Downey agrees saying contrary to many perceptions that teachers work from 9am to 3pm, she regularly stays back late at school.

"We may be here until 6pm at night marking, and often people work through their lunch hours just to make sure everything is in place,” she said.

Caroline says even among family and friends at times there is an impression she has chosen a profession with short working hours.

"And that just isn't so. Some weeks we work between 50 and 60 hours a week, including some work on the weekends, and I have had comments made to me that 'chalkies' get it easy,' she said.

Susan said her experiences in her first year of teaching were similar.

"It does get a little easier, but in the first year you are always wondering if you are doing things the right way and of course you want to do the best job you can,” Susan said.

All four lament the small number of males entering the profession citing the growth in legal action against male teachers by students and earning capacity as contributing factors.

All four say they are looking forward to working with children at the school after a warm welcome by the entire school community.