29 Nov 2021
The 2021 ACT Public Education Awards recognise the exceptional people in our public-school communities, who have gone above and beyond the normal expectations for their role to ensure all children receive high quality public education.
The award categories recognise that our schools are much more than a building with a whiteboard and desks - but are the centre of rich, connected and diverse communities, united in the central goal of ensuring that every child and young person receives the very best start in life.
Incredible things happen in every school, every day and while we can’t highlight each example, the Public Education Awards provide the opportunity for the wider ACT community to recognise and acknowledge some of our most dedicated contributors.
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for the incredible work you do.
Early Childhood Teacher of the Year – Joanne Stratton from Evelyn Scott School
For helping establish a contemporary, connected and community preschool, and for reaching out beyond the school and into the network to build connections.
Primary Teacher of the Year – Kathryn Simone from Curtin Primary School
For passionately pursuing wellbeing for students, especially in leading the ‘be you’ mental health initiative and implementing the ‘Mind Frame’ emotional regulation teaching plan.
Secondary Teacher of the Year – Rourke O’Sullivan from University of Canberra High School Kaleen
For focussing on students as agents in their own learning, integrating students with disabilities into mainstream classes and engaging in authentic Indigenous perspectives.
School Leader of the Year – Debbie Martens from Theodore Primary School
For approaching every role in her career with passion, fairness, honesty, and a fantastic sense of humour.
Education Support Office School Leader of the Year – Linda Francis from Learning and Teaching Policy and Service Design
For managing a vast output of quality work during the remote learning period and collaboratively supporting significant projects such as the Parent Engagement Grants, Koori Pre co-design and the Early Childhood Community of Practice.
New Educator of the Year – Joint Winners
Caitlin Sillar, from Telopea Park School
For having a distinct impact on cultural integrity in her school community while still in her first year of teaching, including coordinating NAIDOC week celebrations.
Elouyze Nucifora-Ryan, from Gold Creek School
For her support of student learning and well-being, as evidenced by her work delivering a school-wide wellbeing expo.
Leader of the Year in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education – Kelly Pulver, from Cranleigh School
For the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication including assisting in developing the Reconciliation Action Plan for specialist schools, established a ‘Heal Country Gardening Club’, and coordinated the recording of a song in indigenous language.
Leader of the Year in Supporting Diversity and Inclusion – Tim Hawke, from Caroline Chisholm School
For being a reflective educator who is solution focused, and for creating and sustaining curriculums that address points of need and interests of students.
Education Support Person of the Year – Joint Winners
Julie White, from Namadgi School
For her Kitchen Garden Program, which has made an immense contribution to student engagement and learning outcomes throughout the school year.
Michelle Cartwright, from Monash School
For creatively utilising her knowledge to enhance the approach to inclusion within the school, especially in the introduction of an Acknowledgement of Country translated into AUSLAN.
Volunteer of the Year – Dr Brad Tucker from the Academy of Future Skills
For his outstanding dedication to bringing the wonder and awe of the cosmos to students in the ACT.
Outstanding Partnership of the Year – Evatt Primary School and Cyclabilities
For the outstanding relationship built between Cyclabilities, whose mission is to provide quality learning opportunities in recreational activities for individuals with disabilities or vulnerabilities, and Evatt Primary School.
Education Support Office Employee of the Year – Rebecca Smith, from Student Engagement
For providing expert support and guidance to leadership teams across the system.
Allied Health Professional of the Year – Cathy Hurman, from NSET and based in Cranleigh School
For her embodiment of empathy, enthusiasm and professionalism, building teaching capacity through sharing research with staff in a constructive and collaborative way.