Impressive educators celebrated at Public Education Awards

Educators devoted to supporting and motivating the state’s children and young people were recognised at the 12th annual South Australian Public Education Awards.

The South Australian Public Education Awards recognise both individuals and teams who demonstrate impact across learner agency, equity and excellence, inclusion, reconciliation and wellbeing.

Bains Road Preschool, one of 11 winners announced at the 2023 Public Education Awards in November last year, was recognised for Inclusive Practices in Education.

The preschool, located in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, prioritises high-quality education for all children, regardless of their abilities. The nurturing environment ensures every child feels valued, respected and supported in their learning journey.

Heathfield High School’s Lindsey Crowe won the Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award. The senior leader was recognised for her efforts to empower students to actively co-create their learning experiences.

“The Public Education Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible work of our people and the vital role they play in supporting children and young people in South Australia to learn and thrive,” said Professor Martin Westwell, Chief Executive, Department for Education.

The awards are all about celebrating excellence, inclusion and the incredible contributions of our educators to ignite a love of learning.

“The awards provide an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and be proud of the work we’ve done across the State from the Riverland to the Far North.”

The winner of each category received $10,000, while finalists for each category were given $2,000 to undertake professional learning or purchase resources for their school community.

All of the winners and finalists can be found on the Department for Education website, along with a video showcasing their achievements.

The 2023 Public Education Awards winners are:

Excellence in Learner Agency

Westbourne Park Primary School

Excellence and Equity in Education, sponsored by Credit Union SA

Cultivating Excellence and Equity, Ungarra Primary School

Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award, sponsored by Lumination

Lindsey Crowe, Heathfield High School

Excellence in Collaborative Partnerships

Aboriginal Education Team, Para Hills High School

Excellence in Leadership

Cherie Collings, The Pines School

Excellence in Support of Early Career Teachers

Berri Portfolio (Riverland) Local ECT Network, Berri Education Office

Inclusive Practices in Education

Bains Road Preschool

Excellence in Collective Wellbeing

Kungka Ninti Program, Fregon Anangu School

Aunty Josie Agius Award

Aboriginal Education Team, Mark Oliphant College

Outstanding Reconciliation Initiatives

Nunga Playgroup, Kirton Point Children’s Centre

Outstanding Safety Initiatives

Jim Dounas, Adelaide High School


For more information:

education.sa.gov.au

 

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

You may also like

School children and teachers.

Discover School of the Nativity this Open Week

Choosing the right school for your child can feel overwhelming. You may be thinking about: Will my child feel safe and supported? Will they be challenged in the right ways? What sets one school apart from another? This August, the School of the Nativity welcomes you to join a Principal’s Tour as part of Catholic Schools Open Week where you can see how students interact, how teachers guide learning, and how the school day flows.

Read More
Three children in maroon uniforms walking along a path surrounded by greenery.

The School of the Nativity: A small school with big facilities

The year 1982 was one of big thinking and big ideas. Steven Spielberg’s E.T was a worldwide hit in movie theatres, Advance Australia Fair replaced God Save The Queen as our national anthem, blue eyeshadow and shoulder pads were in and the controversial breakfast spread Vegemite, turned 60. So why the nostalgic recap? Well, there was another big thinking idea taking shape in Aberfoyle Park during this time, with the opening of a new schooling set up.

Read More

Why stepping outside the classroom matters more than ever in middle school

It happens in a moment. A student halfway up a rock face pauses, frozen by fear and doubt. Below, an instructor calmly encourages: “Take a breath, look around, and take the next step.” The student exhales, refocuses, and reaches the top—exhausted, but transformed. These quiet turning points—part challenge, part breakthrough—are common in outdoor education. And for students in the middle years of schooling, they’re more than just powerful memories. They’re moments of growth.

Read More