Students, teachers and schools from Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have been acknowledged for their outstanding achievements, resilience and contribution to public education at the 2023 NSW Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards for Excellence.
Last night’s awards at Sydney Town Hall celebrated the best of public schooling, outstanding achievement of individuals and breakthrough school initiatives centred around literacy, numeracy, science, student wellbeing and community partnerships.
The 10 winners from the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area are:
- Amanda Pleash – Heaton Public School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
- Jovana Markelic – Lambton High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
- Ryan Robinson – Lambton High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
- Kotara School – SECRETARY’S AWARD FOR AN OUTSTANDING SCHOOL INITIATIVE – Quality Teaching Round Special Education
- Samuel Bloomfield – Merewether High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
- Noah Brown – Warners Bay High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
- Dakota Kellar Bridgart – Warners Bay High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
- Ashlee Dawson – West Wallsend High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
- Ryan Wood – West Wallsend High School – MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT –
- Whitebridge High School – SECRETARY’S AWARD FOR AN OUTSTANDING SCHOOL INITIATIVE – VET Student Pathways for the Future
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said she was delighted to highlight the incredible achievements of the public system’s outstanding students and teachers.
“These awards are a great opportunity to call out the fabulous educators, who every day are making a difference in the lives of children, and the inspiring students demonstrating academic, cultural, sporting and leadership excellence.”
The winners were selected in the following categories:
- Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement
- Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
- Secretary’s Award for Excellent Service
- Secretary’s Award for an Outstanding School Initiative
- Secretary’s School Achievement Award
- Public School Parent of the Year.
Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said the awards were a great opportunity to recognise outstanding initiatives and staff that were driving improvements across public schools.
He said the number of regional schools showcased in the awards highlighted the Education Department’s commitment to equity of opportunity no matter where students lived.
Mr Dizdar also acknowledged the role parents played in supporting public schools and public school students.
“The awards also recognise 12 parents, guardians and caregivers who perform invaluable support roles and who contribute significantly to their local NSW public school community; contributions that are deeply appreciated.”
Public Education Foundation chief executive officer David Riordan said public education was the cornerstone of the future of NSW.
“I am so proud to be recognising excellence, not just in the performances and the personal stories but also in the achievements of students, teachers, and school staff from across NSW.”
Read the award citations on the Public Education Foundation website www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au