08 May 2020
Lynne Takes Top Honour this Mother’s Day
Directorate Staff Member Lynne Sheville has been awarded Barnardos ACT Mother of the Year.
Whilst coming to teaching late Lynne has still been a long-standing member of the Directorate.
Lynne’s first placement at the age of 40 was at Kaleen Primary. After being offered a role she stayed for the next 12 years. Lynne has taught K-6, gifted and learning and support. Additionally, she worked in the Directorate, helping set up the Academy of Future Skills (supporting teachers with STEM Education).
Kaleen Primary community is just like family to Lynne and has supported her professionally and personally along her journey. Maybe this is one of the reasons she is acknowledged as being so generous and supportive.
Lynne was nominated for the award by her daughter, Nicola. In her eyes, Lynne, “has some sort of superpower”. As a mother, teacher and now cyber-safety educator, Lynne has spent her adult life fighting for a safe future for children and empowering them to overcome adversity to realise their full potential.
Lynne’s daughter and nominator, Nicola Sheville, 27, is “amazed her [mum’s] hair isn’t completely white” given the parenting challenges Lynne has overcome.
“I experienced serious bouts of depression and anxiety before being diagnosed with ADHD that contributed to not only these psychosocial conditions, but abysmal behaviour as a teenager, emotional dysregulation and impulsive choices,” said Nicola.
“My sibling, Will, who also has ADHD, has experienced a number of mental health challenges and came out as transgender, identifying as non-binary.
“My brother Steve, we like to joke is the easiest child, but he has faced challenges of his own and Mum has been there every step of the way.”
According to Nicola, Lynne has gone to infinity and beyond to support all her children, including joining organisations in the ACT dedicated to raising awareness of LGBTI people to support her child Will.
Not only has Lynne raised three children alone, she has also supported other family members and friends in difficult times, offering her home as a refuge until they are back on their feet.
Along the way and while working full time Lynne managed to complete a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Lynne is currently on secondment to the eSafety Commissioner. This role importantly ensures parents, children and educators have access to information on the safe use of social media and the internet.
Nicola sums it up by saying “My mother is easily one of the most inspiring people I've had the pleasure of meeting,” said Nicola.
Congratulations on receiving such well-deserved recognition and Happy Mother’s Day.