Two Mount Gambier schools have claimed top honours in the Public Education Awards held in Adelaide on Friday evening.
Grant High School’s Entrepreneurial Team won the University of South Australia Team Teaching Award while Melaleuca Park Primary School Social Worker Celeste Raymond received the Community Engagement Award.
They were among 13 winners to receive $10,000 to be used for professional development.
The awards were presented by SA Premier Steven Marshall and Education Minister John Gardner.
“This year’s winners and finalists strive to support every child and young person to be successful and deliver a world class education system for all South Australians,” Minister Gardner said.
“The awards provide an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, be proud of the work we have done and where we are heading together.”
The Grant High School Entrepreneurial team established an Entrepreneurial Education Program for their students.
The program provides authentic learning experiences and has increased attendance, engagement and sense of purpose through real-life community connections and individual student growth relating to critical thinking and resilience.
The team members said they were incredibly proud to become finalists and winners of the Team Teaching Award.
They thanked their team of seven and the whole Grant High School community, teachers, students, parents and the wider Mount Gambier community.
“Together, we have shown incredible dedication and passion for creating opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurial learning and future career pathways in such a creative and meaningful way,” the Grant High School team said.
“The willingness to embrace entrepreneurial thinking, skills and programs has allowed students to thrive in their own way and we hope we can continue this in the future.”
Attendance and Family Engagement Social Worker Ms Raymond said she was privileged to be recognised as a social worker in an education role.
“I was extremely happy for the Melaleuca Park community who have contributed so much to this award,” she said.
“Without them I would not be receiving this award, it’s a team effort.”
Ms Raymond thanked her family, the teaching, leadership and support staff team at Melaleuca Park Primary School, Education Director Adam Box, Support Services Team Manager Lynette Corletto and the Melaleuca Park School Community.
Ms Raymond’s role as a site-based social worker is the first primary school-based social worker position in the state.
“This award recognises the valuable contribution of social work in education,” Ms Raymond said.
“Working directly with the parents in the Melaleuca Park School Community, parents are benefiting positively from the support and this flows through to positive attendance, engagement and educational outcomes for the children.
“Alongside this, Melaleuca Park School has highly skilled teaching, support staff and leadership teams providing targeted, high-quality education for our students.
“We are hoping this holistic approach to teaching our students and walking alongside our families will contribute to positive generational outcomes within our community.”
