Outstanding student achievement and inspiring public education staff will be acknowledged today when over 110 individuals and schools are honoured at the 2019 NSW Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards for Excellence.

The annual awards showcase NSW public school students, teachers, staff and parents who have made major contributions to their school communities and serve as role models to their peers.

They also acknowledge schools that have embraced innovative programs to turn around school results and are changing the way education is delivered within the government system.

The NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said the awards affirmed the high standards and dedication that underpinned the public school system.

“These awards highlight the tremendous contribution that students, teachers, principals and the school community make to public education in NSW as we strive for learning and teaching excellence,” Ms Mitchell said.

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said the awards celebrated excellence within the State’s public education system by showcasing those who had made major contributions as role models to their peers, their schools and the wider education community.

“The range of achievements reflected in the awards is representative of the many components that make our public school system so strong and is just the tip of the iceberg in innovation and commitment to outstanding learning outcomes that are happening across the NSW public education system,” Mr Scott said.

“Whether it is the school parent who is now in her third generation of service, students’ academic excellence and extended community service or the dedicated teachers and staff guiding and supporting them – everyone is helping to lay solid foundations for a strong and vibrant society,” Mr Scott said.

The winners, from across NSW, were selected in the following categories:

  • Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement
  • Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
  • Secretary’s Award for Excellent Service
  • Secretary’s Award for an Outstanding School Initiative
  • Secretary’s School Achievement Award
  • Public School Parent of the Year

The Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement considers achievement in the academic, sporting, cultural and leadership fields, commitment to the school community and personal values.

The Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching considers professional knowledge, practice and engagement.

The Public Education Foundation’s executive director David Hetherington said the Foundation was proud to host the Awards on behalf of Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and Department Secretary Mark Scott AO.

“The event is always the highlight of the education calendar, showcasing the wonderful people and extraordinary talent across NSW public education – schools, students, teachers, school staff and parents,” Mr Hetherington said.

For more information contact: DoE Media Unit, 02 7814 1559 or email mediaunit@det.nsw.edu.au

Photographs of award recipients are available on request

Read the award citations on the Public Education Foundation website www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au