An outstanding 128 awards were handed out to students, teachers, and schools who have made significant contributions to the broader NSW community at the 2022 NSW Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards for Excellence last Wednesday.
For Georgina Harrisson, secretary for the NSW Department of Education, the function “reveals an ecosystem of innovative and collaborative teaching and learning” in the NSW’s public education system, which continues to improve each year.
Among the categories include Excellence in Student Achievement, Excellence in Teaching, Excellent Service, Outstanding School Initiative, School Achievement Award, and Public School Parent of the Year.
These public schools had innovative programs for literacy, numeracy, science, student wellbeing and community partnerships, which in turn created excellence among its students and teachers.
There were 40 Year 12 students who received the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement for excelling in academic, sporting, cultural, and leadership fields, commitment to the school community and personal values.
Meanwhile, the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching considers professional knowledge, practice, and engagement.
Sarah Mitchell, Minister for Education and Early Learning, said the awarding ceremony included a combined award for the 12 primary and secondary schools involved in the Rivers Academy of STEM Excellence in the flood-affected Northern Rivers region.
“It is such a privilege to celebrate so many positive and diverse achievements right across the state that highlight the excellence in our public schools,” Mitchell said. “These students, along with their teachers and families, have faced many challenges this year and have achieved against the odds. They are remarkable role models.”
Public Education Foundation hosted the function on behalf of the Education Minister and Department Secretary.