Maureen Bailey
Australind Senior High School
Western Australia
School learning environment
In addition to her role as Business Manager, Maureen Bailey uses her energy and imagination to support students in a wide range of extra curricular activities.
Maureen has initiated and driven programs to revitalise the school’s grounds, creating an inviting learning environment that contributes to the well being of the school community and promotes school pride and a great school spirit. She is imaginative and resourceful in addressing the needs of students, staff and families.
Outside her Business Manager role, Maureen contributes to a thriving program of extra curricular activities, including art projects, school community events, excursions, professional development and sporting events.
Vicki Belletty
Kawana Waters State College
Queensland
International student welfare
Vicki Belletty’s commitment to international students over more than ten years as International Student Liaison Officer has been integral to the success of the international student program at Kawana Waters State College.
From her initial welcome to new students through to exceptional support and care during their stay, Vicki fosters international friendships and cultural understanding. International students have gone on to achieve outstanding results in academic and extra curricular activities and place great value on their schooling experience in Australia.
Vicki has managed overseas student requirements and homestays with exemplary skill and efficiency, including creating opportunities outside of the school boundaries.
Helena Hewish
Seaford 6-12 School
South Australia
Special education
Helena Hewish has made a significant contribution to dramatically improved learning outcomes for students with disabilities.
As Special Education School Support Officer, Helena has achieved exceptional results for students with severe and multiple disabilities, using cutting edge methodologies to increase learning opportunities and inspire students. She makes students feel safe and supported so that they enjoy learning and achieve social and educational successes. By working closely with staff and community agencies, Helena has embedded successful practices throughout the school.
Helena has shared her skills and experience with teachers from other schools and has developed resources that have achieved local and international recognition.
Desley Insall
Collingwood College
Victoria
Health and welfare
Desley Insall fosters the wellbeing of the Collingwood College school community by inspiring students and staff to have healthy eating habits.
Desley’s innovative Kitchen Garden Program has been recognised nationally and develops students’ skills and knowledge to make a lifetime of healthy eating choices. At the same time, the program also builds social skills, increases awareness of environmental sustainability and forges cultural respect in a diverse student population.
Desley delivers an informative and enjoyable food program and creates joyful and challenging education experiences. A large team of volunteers and a vibrant, welcoming kitchen are a drawcard for students and the community.
Trevor Muller
Murgon State High School
Queensland
Quality school facilities
Trevor Muller’s work as groundsman at Murgon State High School has improved the grounds of this small remote school. Despite the drought, the school environment instils great pride and spirit in the school community.
Under Trevor’s care, the school gardens flourish, the school’s facilities expand and extra curricular activities grow. Trevor has driven a number of projects for improvement, from fences to storage sheds to landscaping. His commitment to the school’s sporting facilities laid the foundation for a proud record of achievement in sport.
Trevor harnesses the energy of the school community and encourages a strong sense of community mindedness.
Margaret Papertalk
Aranmore Catholic College
Western Australia
Indigenous student welfare
As head of Aranmore Catholic College’s Indigenous student support team, Margaret Papertalk has made a remarkable contribution to the welfare of Indigenous students.
Margaret has been instrumental in building the school’s reputation for its strong academic and pastoral care program for Indigenous students. Through academic support, liaison with teachers and outreach to families, she has helped Indigenous students to gain the skills, knowledge and resilience to lead successful lives.
Initiatives include a homework centre, remedial reading and mathematics classes and mentoring programs. These initiatives have contributed to the school’s success in attracting and retaining Indigenous students, and their high levels of achievement in various fields.
Karen Thomson
Blackwood Centre for Adolescent Development
Victoria
Student welfare
In her position as Administrative Officer and bursar at the Blackwood Centre for Adolescent Development, Karen Thomson provides invaluable support for young people at risk.
Turning her hand to all areas of support, including administrative support for the teaching team, relationships with students, meeting complex regulatory and reporting requirements and securing funds and corporate sponsorship, Karen works tirelessly to help create a setting of excellence for young people at risk.
In a challenging environment, Karen has brought skills, compassion and empathy to inspire the teaching team, support families in difficult circumstances and create a sense of belonging and stability for youth at risk.