Territory schools scoop national education awards
Thursday, 4 April 2007
Several Territory teachers and schools have scooped national awards in a trend that is reflecting positively on the Department of Employment, Education and Training.
These include Kerry Regan from the National Accelerated Literacy Program, Christine Bennett from Minyerri School, and three central Australian schools – Anzac Hill High School, Centralian Senior Secondary College and Braitling Primary School.
Kerry and Christine were given good reason to celebrate when the National Excellence in Teaching Awards Foundation named them in this year’s round of Teaching Excellence Awards.
Kerry is a specialist in DEET’s National Accelerated Literacy Program team (other members acknowledged were Fiona McLoughlin, Trish Chisholm, Melissa Cole and Carmel Lawrence). The team trains teachers in the innovative learning principles to increase student English literacy levels and engages remote communities to improve outcomes for Indigenous students.
Christine was recognised for her contributions to child safety awareness in the classroom and beyond. She produced an award-winning fire safety movie and an early childhood water safety resource.
Both educators were nominated by school parents, which highlights the high esteem with which they are held within their respective school communities.
Meanwhile, Anzac Hill High School won a $15,000 Excellence in Family-School Partnerships award at the Australian Government’s National Awards for Quality Schooling.
The Quality Teaching award acknowledges the outstanding contribution staff have made to improve student outcomes. The school was recognised for its commitment to family-school partnerships, a strategy that has contributed to a more harmonious environment, and improvements to student well being.
And finally, Centralian Senior Secondary College and Braitling Primary School were among just 18 schools nationally to have received Australian Government Dare to Lead Excellence awards for their outstanding leadership in Indigenous Education.
Centralian Senior Secondary College won a $6000 High Achievement award in for its Gateways program, which has been integral in improving Indigenous enrolments and attendance.
Braitling won a $1000 Certificate of Merit Achievement Award in recognition of the significant improvements that students in the Atyeke Unit have made. The Atyeke unit supports early childhood Indigenous students (5-7 years of age) prior to entering mainstream classes.