National awards for three NT educators
Three NT school leaders have been officially recognised for their dedication and commitment to education in the Territory.
Carin Symonds, Susanne Fisher and Hylton Hayes all received John Laing Professional Development Awards from the Principals Australia Institute (PAI) at a special ceremony in Darwin today (19 August).
Carin and Susanne are Principals at Jingili Primary School, Darwin and Humpty Doo Primary School respectively, while Hylton is NT Department of Education and Training Regional Director for Palmerston & Rural Region.
The national awards are presented each year to school leaders who have significantly contributed to the professional learning of their colleagues.
“Our three NT winners very much capture the spirit of the awards and their nominees were glowing in their praise for their achievements,” PAIBoard Chair, the Hon. Susan Lenehan.
“Carin and Susanne are recognised for their ability to empower those around them to be the very best teachers they can, while Hylton has played a vital role in establishing a rich and supportive learning community across the Palmerston region”.
MsLenehan said it was important to recognise and value the role principals played in providing leadership and a community focus.
“Good schools don’t just educate and inspire the next generation of students, they act as a focus and catalyst for learning, development and community spirit,” she said.
“Good schools need good teachers, and that means they need visionary leaders who can see beyond the day-to-day necessities and inspire students and teachers alike to achieve great things. We are very proud of what this year’s recipients have done and what they stand for.”
The awards honour John Laing, a John Laing is a former Tasmanian school Principal who was the driving force behind establishing the PAI as the first cross-sectoral professional learning projects for all school leaders in Australia.
More information about each recipient is attached. All are available for interview.
Media contact: Mr Dennis Yarrington
President, Australian Primary Principals Association
0466 655 468
John Laing Awards - the honorees
Carin Symonds. Principal, Jingili Primary School, Darwin
Carin has been nominated for being a leader who assists teachers to value themselves as learners and supports their work through developing opportunities for professional growth to improve education for students.
Susanne Fisher Principal, Humpty Doo Primary School
Susanne has been nominated for being a creative leader who builds the capacity of the school community through promoting arich and creative culture of learning which supportsthe strengths of teachers and students.
Hylton Hayes – NT Schools’ Regional Director for Palmerston & Rural Ranges
Hyltonhas been nominated for being an outstanding leader in assisting schools to develop rich learning communities with a focus on improving educational outcomes in rural and remote areas.