A Canberra teacher passionate about helping children from non-English speaking backgrounds transform into confident, community-minded students is among the nine teachers, principals, school leaders and support staff recognised as part of the ACT Public Education Excellence Awards.
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Hughes Primary School's Robyn Hammond was awarded Primary Teacher of the Year at the Thursday night ceremony for her work with the school's Introductory English Centre.
Principal Kate Smith, who nominated Ms Hammond, said the experienced teacher's contributions went above and beyond what was expected and had changed the live's of the program's young participants.
"Robyn has carved a high reputation for [the program] at our school and made a significant difference to the lives of children who come to the school ... so they can feel a strong sense of belonging," she said.
"When students graduate out of the program, they not only graduate as confident English speakers but with excellent manners, a high regard for others and a sense of inclusion."
Hughes Primary's Brian Johns was also recognised with a School Hero Award.
Ms Smith said the school's long-serving building services officer and former college industrial arts teacher was adored by pupils, teachers and the broader community.
More than a decade of his work has enhanced the school grounds and includes the construction of a multi-level wooden 'imaginarium' deck, huts and shaded benches.
She described Mr Johns as an "absolute gentleman" with "amazingly high energy" and dedicated to promoting the importance of a sustainable, litter-free environment.
The cause had seen him attend a school assembly dressed as a garbage bin to engage pupils, she said.
This year's awards also included the inclusion of a new category, the Family and Community Partnerships Award, to celebrate innovative connections between schools and the broader community.
Charnwood-Dunlop School received the inaugural accolade for the creation of its Active Brain Cafe, where parents and teachers support literacy over a nutritious breakfast.
The 2014 ACT Public Education Excellence Awards:
Primary Teacher of the Year – Robyn Hammond, Hughes Primary School
Secondary Teacher of the Year – Nor Idris, Lyneham High School
Outstanding School Leadership Award – Sue Norton, Fraser Primary School
Teaching/Leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education – Lynn Leon, Kaleen Primary School
New Educator – Matthew Eyles, Calwell High School
Early Childhood Teacher of the Year – Michele Foley, Turner Primary School
Education Support – Debbie Carne, Harrison School
School Hero – Brian Johns, Hughes Primary School
Family and Community Partnerships Award – Charnwood Dunlop School
