The commitment and contributions of staff, students and community members were recognised at Namoi Partner Schools' Education Week awards presentation on Friday.
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The event at the Gunnedah Town Hall was attended by 10 of the shire's public schools and a number of special guests including Minister For Education And Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell, Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation and Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson, and Public schools director (Mooki network) Mark Young.
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The awards presentation was lead by Gunnedah High School's leadership team Ashleigh Mills, Desmond Tuckerman, Lucy Moore and Cameron Gale.
Gamilaroi man Wade Natty and Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council's Mitchum Neaves delivered the Welcome to Country before the award recipients were announced.
There were also performances by the Namoi Partner Schools choir to perform, lead by Jamie Brown, and Gs Kidd Memorial School.
This year's theme is 'Every student, every voice'.
Award recipients
Boggabri Public School
Presented by principal Patricia Sharp.
Outstanding student achievement award: Toby Eddington
Toby shows great interest in his learning, and always focused; he is committed to getting the most out of all learning opportunities, completes work to the expected standard and responds well to feedback. Toby demonstrations resilience and is willing to persevere when things are difficult or challenging. Toby is a positive role model whom, actively participates in all school events, assist in extra duties and extends his support to community events with pride and good sportsmanship
Outstanding contribution to a school by a community member: Craig Devine
A testament to the work and time volunteered to Boggabri Public School, Craig has made a significant contribution, to Boggabri Public School whether it be with transporting students to sporting events, attending school excursion as a male representative and assisting staff fixing up odd jobs around the school. He is a positive male role model to male students, with a happy outlook and willingness to help and guide others. A great resource and a wealth of knowledge for Boggabri Public School.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a staff member: Jennifer Smith - School Administrative Manager
Jenny goes beyond her role as SAM with great enthusiasm. Her commitment to public education is outstanding, ensuring that Boggabri Public school running efficiently and smoothly, Jenny greets people with a friendly smile, and positive attitude, her manner is very professional. For many year's Jenny volunteers her time supporting year 6 students to assist in the delivery of meals on wheels for the Boggabri Elderly. She is dedicated, great team player and is sensitive to all students and parent's needs.
Carroll Public School
Presented by relieving principal Bec Dowe.
Outstanding student achievement award: Taleigha Elphick
Taleigha began her schooling at Carroll Public School when she was in year 1. Last year she was elected by her peers to be the Vice Captain of Carroll Public School for 2019. Taleigha is a quiet, thoughtful student who continually tries her best and is always willing to attempt new challenges. She is well respected by the students and staff of Carroll Public School and is a worthy recipient of this award.
Outstanding contribution to a school by community members: school sesquicentenary committee
The Sesquicentenary Committee of Carroll Public School consists of Camilla Hoddle, Paula Pratten, Holly Middlebrook, Zoie Baker and Toni Randall. The committee formed in January and has been working tirelessly to organise celebrations as the community of Carroll celebrate 150 years of public education in their village.
The committee organised an Autumn Fair in the school grounds during May and are currently working together to host the Sequin Ball and a formal assembly during September. They are highly organised, highly motivated and highly committed and highly deserving of this award.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a staff member: Sally Harris
For her contribution and commitment to student learning at Carroll Public School. Sally has been employed at Carroll Public School for the past year and a half. In her time here at the school she has continually gone above and beyond for the students at Carroll Public School. She is enthusiastic and much loved by the students and parents at our school. Sally is a valuable member of our team and whole school community and is a worthy recipient of this award.
GS Kidd Memorial School
Presented by principal Bec Maybury
Outstanding student achievement award: Tyson Small
Tyson has continually displayed a mature and caring approach to others at school. He supports younger students at school including at programs such as Riding for the Disabled. Tyson has successfully engaged in a work experience program at Gunnedah Preschool and displays an eager interest in learning and sharing his culture.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a community member: Deb Holmes
Deb is a regular volunteer at G S Kidd Memorial School. She dedicates her time to support the school to encourage a positive environment. Deb supports both the students and staff to ensure that classroom and whole school activities are successful including events such as the annual swimming carnival.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a staff member: Sandy Cavanagh
Sandy displays commitment and dedication to the students through her ongoing care and willingness to take on extra tasks within the school environment to ensure that the students at GS Kidd are provided with high quality opportunities.
Gunnedah High School
Presented by principal Ken White and former student Sarah Mitchell.
Outstanding student achievement award: Taryn Maher
Taryn has been an outstanding member of the school community in all sporting and academic activities. She has represented the school in a number of sports at regional and state levels and has been particularly outstanding in Golf.
She has also been an active member of senior council over the last two years and has been instrumental in the fundraising activities of the senior council and year 12. As a member of the Hospitality class she has assisted with the catering for school and community events. She is a conscientious student whose effort and attitude is exceptional.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a community member: Cathy Dries
Cathy has been a long serving community member, assisting in the canteen for a number of years. Cathy has been instrumental in fund raising efforts especially the Gunnedah High School Golf day with the organisation of prizes and sponsorship. Cathy was an active member of the P & C Association. Cathy is a valued member of our school community and we thank her for all her efforts.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a staff member: Sue Haire
Sue has been a long-serving member of Gunnedah High School staff in the capacity of a School Learning Support Officer. Her compassion, patience and dedication to students at Gunnedah High School have been evident in the time she has been at school. Many staff have commented on Sue's contribution to extra curricula involvement, school performances particularly dance, visual arts and sport. Sue is a highly valued member of our school community
Tambar Springs Public School
Presented by principal Judith Cameron
Outstanding student achievement award: Matthew McMinn
Year 1-Excellence in Reading Achievement
Outstanding contribution to a school by a community member: Stuart and Angel McMinn
Awarded for preparing luscious lunches, school cooking, sports coaching, providing transport for excursions and gardening for the school community.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a staff member: Ian Fouracre
Thirty years of excellent service, keeping Tambar Springs School environment clean and tidy.
Gunnedah Public School
Presented by relieving principal Will Dowe.
Outstanding student achievement award: Opal Kelly
Opal is a student who believes nothing is too much trouble. She is always quick with a kind word, or to raise her hand for a job. She represents the school with pride on the sporting fields and is one of Gunnedah Public School's captains for 2019. She has an amazing outlook on life and this award is well-deserved.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a community member: Jenny Schofield
Jenny and her team have run breakfast club at the school for a number of years. She arrives soon after 7am two mornings a week, rain, hail or shine. She always has time to have a chat and a kind word with our students, who thoroughly enjoy her company.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a staff member: Eileen Robinson
Eileen works tirelessly for all the students within the school. She goes over and above requirements to ensure that every child, no matter of the circumstances, has what they need to succeed each school day. She works with outside agencies, parents and the wider community, bringing everyone together for the wellbeing of the students. Eileen is the first to volunteer for any task that needs completing. She is passionate about kids and is well-deserving of this recognition award.
Mullaley Public School
Presented by principal Ben Carter.
Outstanding student achievement award: Thomas Makim
Awarded for a mature and measured approach to all aspects of his schooling life.
Outstanding contribution to a school by community members: Mullaley Public School P&C Association
Awarded for continued efforts to support students and their families through these difficult times.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a staff member: Kylie Short
Awarded for 17 years of dedicated service to the school community of Mullaley.
Curlewis Public School
Presented by principal Jacqui Jones.
Outstanding student achievement award: Elizabeth Kelly
Elizabeth is a house captain and a model student at Curlewis Public School. Elizabeth always applies herself to the task at hand and gives 100 per cent in all aspects of learning. She is also an excellent role model to the younger students at the school.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a community member: Karen Luckel
Karen is the secretary of the school P&C and also runs the weekly canteen. She is always willing help around the school and can be seen at every P&C run event. Her dedication to the school has resulted in the P&C receiving funding grants. She has also organised the Curlewis Public School's very first ball set to be held later this year.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a staff member: Helen Wise
Helen Wise is the school's administration officer and is the backbone of the school. She is the longest serving staff member at Curlewis Public School and goes above and beyond her duties on a daily basis organising special events, supporting teachers and looking after the chickens. If you need to know something at Curlewis Public School, Mrs Wise is the go-to person. Everyone at Curlewis is so grateful for everything she does.
Gunnedah South Public School
Presented by Principal Peter Baum.
Outstanding student achievement award: Charlotte Semmler
Charlotte is a diligent and inspiring student who is a wonderful role model for all those around her. She arrives at school every day, ready to learn, proudly dressed in her uniform and with a smile on face. It is clear that Charlotte values her education and all the opportunities presented to her.
Charlotte always offers assistance, whether it be for Kindergarten transition, the kitchen, or volunteering in the canteen. Charlotte is a responsible student, who can be relied upon to complete any task with enthusiasm.
Charlotte displays respect and empathy towards peers and makes positive choices to help her be an effective, motivated learner.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a community member: Melinda McCulloch
Melinda McCulloch has been a strong advocate for students at the school over the past decade. She and her family have consistently provided the school and parent body with voluntary hours of their own time since arriving in 2011. As the president of the P&C for many years, Mrs McCulloch is always able to raise a task force of workers faster than anyone, and always got the job done.
She is passionate about the school, public education and certainly embodies this year's theme, 'Every Student, Every Voice'.
Outstanding contribution to a school by a staff member: Debbie Fleming
Deb Fleming successfully manages the extremely busy administration at the school and her presence highlights the highest priority that every child is valued and cared for. She is everyone's go-to for anything and everything.
She answers a thousand questions and tackles a thousand tasks every single day, always with a smile on her face, calm demeanor and a kind, considerate attitude. She is nurturing and patient toward the students and is consistently thorough, efficient and positive when assisting parents and carers.
Surprise award: Jamie Brown
Presented by Kevin Anderson.
For embodying the Education Week theme of 'Every student, every voice'.