Congratulations to all Flinders Graduates who have received Education Awards in 2024.
The SA Government’s Public Education Awards and the Educators SA World Teachers’ Day Awards celebrate the innovation, passion and expertise at the heart of South Australia’s education system. The awards showcase outstanding practice and the difference our people make to the lives of children and young people in South Australia.
PUBLIC EDUCATION AWARD WINNERS
Winner: Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award
Natasha Paffett (BHlthSc ’17, MTeach(PrimR-7) ’17), Science, Mathematics and Whole School Numeracy Leader, Wirreanda Secondary School.
Natasha exemplifies impactful teaching through her innovative approach to numeracy intervention. Her professional learning sessions and collaborative planning encourages a culture of continuous improvement at the school. She engages with stakeholders through community events and family communications, successfully shifting the focus from tutoring to a skill-based intervention. Natasha’s strategic numeracy plan and inclusive approach showcase her dedication to enhancing learning experiences and inspiring broad engagement.
Winner: Inclusive Preschool Program
Mykayla Demarco (GradCertEd(SpecEd) ’19), Teacher – Inclusive Preschool Program, Solomontown Kindergarten.
Mykayla’s dedication to inclusive education at Solomontown Kindergarten has had a profound positive impact on learners with disabilities. Her innovative approach, including the introduction of Acknowledgement of Country through song and integration of Aboriginal art, has resulted in remarkable developmental outcomes for children, particularly those with complex communication needs. By fostering strong relationships with external providers and collaborating extensively with colleagues across sites, she has significantly influenced practices and promoted inclusive education within the community.
AWARD FINALISTS
Finalist: Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award
Karen Bromley (BSpecEd ’18), Agricultural Studies Teacher, Kapunda High School
Karen’s innovative approach to agricultural studies at Kapunda High School has revolutionised the school’s agricultural program. Through engaging initiatives such as the Tractor Driver Training and Pure Raw Honey Production programs, and an alternative learning agricultural class for disengaged students she has reinvigorated curriculum and achieved strong student engagement. Karen’s influence extends beyond the school through presentations at conferences and collaborations with the Northern Agriculture Teachers Hub. Karen also mentors early career teachers and has been recognised with several awards for the innovative and engaging learning programs.
Finalist: Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award
Laura Scriven (BPsychSc ’17, MTeach(PrimR-7) ’19), Maths Coordinator, Mitcham Primary School
Laura’s innovative teaching practices have significantly enhanced the learning experience for students, staff, and parents at Mitcham Primary School. By engaging with all stakeholders, Laura actively improves outcomes for learners and ensures every student feels valued and motivated to learn. Laura has increased student confidence in maths by focusing on creating an engaging and inclusive classroom. Her implementation of common language around mindsets and active maths classrooms has resulted in eager and excited learners who are thriving. Laura’s networked approach includes mentoring pre-service teachers, leading professional development, and engaging parents through workshops.
Finalist: Excellence in the Support of Early Career Teachers Award
Rose Nyaramba (MTESOL ’22), EAL/D Hub Coach APY East Schools and Project Officer, Curriculum Policy and Standards, Curriculum and Learning, Kaurna and Pitjantjatjara Yankuntjatjarra Country
Rose has been instrumental in supporting early career teachers in the APY lands since 2021, positively impacting both staff and students. She offers continuous guidance, leveraging her own experiences to enhance English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) teaching among a cohort with typically little knowledge in this area. Her intensive training and ongoing support in the LEAP program have significantly developed early career teachers’ expertise. Rose’s efforts have influenced bilingual education, fostering collaboration among Aṉangu Educators and early career teaching staff.
Finalist: Excellence in Leadership Award
Lynette Corletto (BEd(UP/LS)(GradEntry) ’03), Principal, Naracoorte High School
Lynette’s leadership at Naracoorte High School is a model of positive impact, networked practice, and inspiring engagement. She has fostered a high-performing, supportive staff culture and implemented unified pedagogical practices that enhance student development. Her innovative approach, including the Australian Learner Competency Credential, demonstrates her commitment to broadening student assessment beyond traditional metrics. Lynette’s influence extends through strategic partnerships with the University of Melbourne and other educational bodies, driving reforms and sharing best practices. Her engagement with diverse stakeholders, from policy discussions to student advocacy, highlights her dedication to evolving educational standards and promoting equity. Lynette’s efforts have significantly impacted school culture and educational practices, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to continuous improvement.
EDUCATORS SA WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY ASSOCIATION AWARD WINNERS
Ausdance SA: Anne Young, Lifetime Achievement Award in Arts (Dance)
Anne Young (DipT’84, BSpecEd ’00) has taught Dance for over 50 years to all ages of students. Her passion and dedication to improving dance education has been exemplary providing a role model to young teachers and as a mentor to colleagues. She has introduced innovative programs throughout South Australia and overseas and has influenced many emerging artists providing pathways to success.
AAEE SA: Tom Linnell, Environmental Educator of the Year
Tom Linnell (BEd(PrR-7),BA ‘13) was the inaugural Sustainability and Ecology Coordinator at Tenison Woods College in Mt Gambier where he planned, implemented and reviewed curriculum offerings. This had a positive impact on the students, staff and families within a 200km radius of Mt Gambier. Tom both a George Alexander Fellowship and Churchill Fellowship recipient where we researched circular economies. Tom now lectures at UNISA and is Landscapes SA, Limestone Coast Board Member.
APACS SA (Australian Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools): Shaheen Bradford, Outstanding service in a school in the area of Wellbeing
Shaheen Bradford (BEd(UP/LS)’06) was instrumental in helping the Kangaroo Island community heal after the devastating effects of the Bushfires and the pandemic. Her passion resulted in the school becoming a hub for support and healing. Shaheen is also proactive with helping culturally and linguistically diverse families. She encourages newly arrived families to participate in the community by planning events such as an annual Multicultural Feast that is held at the school.
CLTASA: Ting Lu, Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award
Ms. Ting Lu (MHA ’23) has successfully reorganized the marketing team of the Chinese Language Teachers Association and actively engaged with existing sponsors while securing new ones. Her efforts have been instrumental in raising funds to ensure the smooth execution of our major events for both teachers and students. Her dedication and proactive approach have significantly strengthened the association’s outreach and support network.
CA3: Luke Atkinson, CA3 Innovation and Excellence Award
Luke Atkinson (BA (Screen Studies)(English) ’22) has prepared professional learning opportunities for the CA3 community on several occasions including leading integrated learning and game design at Clare High School as well as Transitioning limited digital modelling skills into high-end outcomes at Kadina Memorial School. Luke continuously provides digital media, digital technology and game design support to the wider community.
EdTechSA: Colleen O’Rourke, Educator of the Year
Colleen O’Rourke (BEd(JP/P) ’05) is an outstanding educator who facilitates environments where students are empowered to experience and create using immersive technologies like AR/VR and XR. She pairs outdoor education with these kinds of technologies so that students can capture their outdoor experiences and allow them to tell stories in new ways and enable viewers to see the world from their perspective. This kind of work transforms learning using new and emerging technologies and allows students to become critical creators rather than passive consumers of technologies.
EdTechSA: Innovative Educator of the Year
Colleen has championed the integration of environmental consciousness and digital technologies and has spearheaded the creation of the Rivermont Precint – an innovative learning centre of nature space where dynamic curriculum can come alive. She has helped to reshape curriculum statewide and has initiated collaborations with experts to develop the River Restoration VR Project. She has also contributed extensively to the EdTechSA learning programme and to this community.
HTASA: Simon Baker (BArchaeol ’08), History Teacher of the Year
Outstanding long-term commitment to presenting at professional development sessions for the History Teachers’ Association of SA as well as being a mentor to all whom ask. His love of history and the teaching of it is infectious with a clear focus on innovative lesson and task design. Simon also provides much needed guidance and support to Ancient Studies teachers and pre-service teachers.
JLTSA: Keiko Sanders, Hiroshi Haga Teacher Recognition Award
For over 33 years, Keiko Sanders (BTeach(P/OTTAP) ’96, MEd(StudAsia) ’17, GradCertEd(StAsia) ’13) has been a dedicated leader in Japanese education in South Australia, inspiring students and building successful programs. Her passion for the language and culture has motivated countless students to pursue Japanese studies, including organizing immersive trips to Japan. Through her work with the Japanese Language Teachers’ Association of SA (JLTASA), Keiko has shared her expertise with fellow educators.
STASA: Flor Rangel, Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Teaching of Spanish
Flor Rangel’s (MEd ’19, GradCertEd(IBMYP) ’18) work on student engagement has resulted in excellent retention rates and academic success for her students across various settings. Flor actively involves her students in their learning by using cultural content as a vehicle for language exploration and application.
TEACHERS REGISTRATION BOARD OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Minister’s Graduate Achievement Prize
Tai Yang (MTeach(ECh) ’24) is an international student who moved to Australia with limited experience of Australian schools, education processes and the values held by our state education system. She was proactive in developing her understanding and adapting her craft to ensure she achieved the outcomes expected of professional teaching practices in South Australia. Tai has demonstrated diplomacy and maturity in the face of challenging professional experiences and successfully navigated her final teaching placement with a mentor teacher who challenged her values and philosophy of teaching.
THE AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL FOR HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCTION AND RECREATION SA BRANCH (ACHPER SA) AWARD WINNERS
Spirit of ACHPER –Janet Harper Award
Russell Brown (BEd(PhysEd)’76) has been acknowledged as a true champion of ACHPER. He has been an outstanding and dedicated member of the ACHPER community for nearly 50 years. In this time he has volunteered on multiple state and national committees, served on the Board and President of ACHPER SA, and now serves as Vice president of ACHPER Australia. Russell taught many students in his role at Flinders University, and has mentored many people. In 2006, Russell was given the highest honour of ACHPER – Life membership. His leadership and contribution has been enormous. He is a positive advocate for Health & Physical Education, and has always promoted the role of ACHPER and its focus areas. Over the last 12 months he has undertaken a significant amount of volunteer work to help ACHPER Australia which has been integral to ongoing success and stability.
ACHPER SA Howard Mutton Memorial Award (Secondary Excellence in HPE)
Andrew Mittiga (BEd(MidSecSch), BA ’18) was awarded for his on-going leadership in Health and Wellbeing, Physical Education and Sport at Wilderness School as well as active involvement with the SACE Board and ACHPER. His work in schools with students and teachers is characterised by a positive and thoughtful approach. He builds capacity of colleagues and HPE professionals through sharing best practice via ACHPER conferences, the SACE Board and community coaching beyond the School at the Norwood Football Club.
EDUCATORS SA 2024 MINISTER’S ARTS EDUCATION AWARDS
Ministers Language Immersion Scholarship Catholic School Educator 2024 – Adriana Luppino- St Michael’s College
Adriana (BEd(Sec),BA (Visual Arts)(Italian)(Mathematics) ’21) is using the scholarship for an intensive Italian language course at the Leonardo Da Vinci School in Florence. She is looking forward to the positive impact connecting with native speakers will have on her fluency and cultural insights.
Ministers Language Immersion Scholarship Independent School Educator 2024 – Ashleigh Parker – Tatachilla Lutheran College
Through this award Ashleigh (BEd(PrR-7),BGenSc ’21) will be undertaking the Japanese Language and Culture Course in Japan. She is taking advantage of a Homestay experience to boost her confidence and fluency.
Minister’s University Awards
The Flinders University Outstanding Graduate Award 2024 – Gemma Paxinos – Flinders University
Gemma has been recognised for her unwavering commitment to her studies, her work ethic, adaptability, and ability to connect with children. She is a passionate early years educator who received outstanding recommendations at her two placements at Hackham West Community Centre and at McLaren Flat PS. Her professionalism, engagement as a leader and as an advocate within the University sees her recognised tonight as an outstanding graduate.
See all the winners and finalists for the Educators’ SA 2024 Awards here.
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