Teachers work hard to ensure the best outcomes for our children and young people, and this has never been more evident than the past few years as South Australian educators have continued to work through and with COVID-19 restrictions.
World Teachers Day, celebrated in Australia on October 29, offers a chance to celebrate the bright future of teaching and thank Australia’s teachers for all they do.
As part of the annual World Teachers’ Day celebrations, Educators SA presents a range of awards at a gala evening where the achievements of outstanding educators are recognised and celebrated.
The major awards presented on the night are the Minister’s Language Scholarships, Arts Awards and the Educators SA State Awards.
At this year's awards, held at the National Wine Centre, of the 16 major awards available, four went to educators in Catholic schools.
They were:
After being awarded the language scholarship, Sally Izzo from Port Lincoln is planning an immersion experience in Japan to develop her skills in language and teaching Japanese, and to make connections with Japanese schools.
Sally, who teaches Japanese to students from Reception to Year 4 said she felt honoured to be named as one of the recipients.
"I was surprised and excited to find out because it's a unique one-off experience that will help me with my teaching of Japanese," she said.
Sally said she had been teaching Japanese for about two years and this would be a chance to develop intercultural skills she can share with her students. Sally also plans to pass on her knowledge to teachers at St Joseph’s School and across their region.
"I hope to share my skills with the local hub group of teachers who teach Japanese in Port Lincoln," she said. "I'm excited about the possibilities." Sally said she hoped to travel to Japan in 2022 however plans will be guided by restrictions at the time.
Stephanie Insanally, who has been teaching for 20 years, will receive $8000 as part of her Minister’s Arts Education Award win, to support her professional learning in her chosen Arts field.
Just four Arts Education Awards are presented each year, for primary and secondary in both public school and non-government school categories. The prestigious awards are in recognition of outstanding achievement and endeavour in Arts education.
Thanks to the award win, the music specialist, PE and classroom teacher is now planning to develop a daily music program in schools, targeting children from Reception to Year 6.
“The money I have received will be used in visiting well established music schools that are already implementing daily music in Australia and overseas,” said Stephanie.
“I will also spend time with my mentor Dr. Anita Collins, Australia’s award-winning educator, researcher and writer in the field of brain development and music learning to assist me in implementing daily music in schools.”
Stephanie said she is truly honoured to win the Minister’s Arts Education award.
“To be rewarded in a job that I truly love doing is something that I am very grateful for. Music and educating others are my greatest passions in life.”
Education Minister John Gardner, who presented the awards to the winners, said he congratulated all award winners.
"We want every student, in every classroom, in every school in South Australia to be supported to realise their full potential, so I congratulate all winners of this year's World Teachers' Day Awards for their passionate work helping our next generation be all they can be," he said.
Catholic Education SA extends their congratulations to all nominees and award winners on receiving the highest acclamation and recognition from your peers.
*Classroom image below courtesy of Port Lincoln Times. Other images supplied by Educators SA.
17 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 students have been recognised for completing their schooling in Catholic Education.
The students from eight Catholic schools were awarded at a Graduation Ceremony at the Art Gallery of South Australia, the cultural hub of Tarnanthi 2021, a nationwide celebration of First Nations art and culture.
