Tenison Woods College Creative Arts Teacher Yunita Manfrin has received recognition for her outstanding work as an educator at the World Teachers’ Day Celebrations.
The celebrations were held in Adelaide earlier this year to recognise many educators who make a difference every day, educating and inspiring students.
South Australian educators were honoured at a formal gala at the Adelaide Wine Centre attended by Minister for Education John Gardner and other highly regarded educational leaders and stakeholders.
Ms Manfrin was recognised for her outstanding work as a Creative Arts teacher and awarded the Innovation and Excellence Award by the Creative Arts Association Australia (CA3), the peak association for Creative Arts.
CA3’s Karen Inwood said Ms Manfrin had been a committee member of CA3 for a year and displayed a high level of initiative and creativity as she ‘created pathways’ through social media for CA3.
“From the moment I met Yunita, I could see her high level of subject knowledge, her perseverance to continue with learning and be part of the association regardless of distance, representing regional Creative Arts teachers and showing a huge commitment to her students and also the objects behind CA3,” she said.
Uni SA education coordinator Deb Hosking said Ms Manfrin was part of the inaugural group of education graduates from the UniSA Mount Gambier campus where she was able to achieve her long-held ambition to become a teacher.
“She continually demonstrated her commitment to excellence through her studies and placements and quickly secured a teaching position at Tenison Woods College once she graduated in her area of passion the arts,” she said.
College principal David Mezinec recognised Ms Manfrin’s passion and ability to inspire students.
“Yunita has been a passionate advocate and practitioner in the Creative Arts at Tenison Woods College,” he said.
“Her students engage in real-world projects that accentuate a collaborative approach with colleagues in the Arts Faculty, other faculties, as well as other dimensions of the school community.
“Her commitment to build networks with local government, local agencies and businesses within the creative arts and digital arts sector has meant that students are invited to a rich world of experiences, opportunities and contemporary challenges.
“This has fostered a culture of collaboration within her classes whereby students are prepared well for the real world, and also have a deep appreciation of their own talents, skills, capabilities, dispositions and agency.
“Yunita’s own experience in the industry as a graphic designer ensures that she is aware of how the industry is evolving and growing.
She is committed to her own professional learning, and that of her colleagues, enabling the best possible experiences for students.
“Her links with the digital and entertainment industries, tertiary institutions and other creative arts teachers has ensured that students also gain exciting invitations and opportunities in the industry to assist in forging their individual pathway.
“The recent creative arts exhibition at the college was testimony to the culture of high expectation, passion for the area and commitment to exploration that exemplifies Yunita’s inspiration to our young.
“As such, Yunita was a very worthy recipient of the Innovation and Excellence Award by the Creative Arts Association of Australia.”
