Mrs Angela Hayes from St Mary of the Angels School has received the Alan Kerr Memorial Award for “teachers displaying excellence in their first five years of teaching”. The award was presented at the 2009 Australian College of Educators Awards Dinner held at the Armidale Bowling Club on Friday October 30. It was a great cause for celebration for the school community, along with Angela’s husband Adam, and parents Lewis and Delilah Ahamada.

Angela was nominated by the school Principal, Mrs Sharon Wittig, with supporting documentation from various members of the school and wider community. Members of the selection panel commented on the quality of the nomination and the range and variety of skills that Angela happily brings to her role at St Mary of the Angels.

The following citation was prepared by the selection panel and read out prior to her receiving the award.

“Angela graduated from UNE with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) in 2005. Beginning as a casual teacher in 2006 she worked for two terms at Walcha Central School as a Support Teacher Learning Assistance and in 2007 moved to St Mary of the Angels school in Guyra where she is currently employed as the teacher of the 4/5/6 class.

With a particular focus on the education of students with special needs, Angela has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in teaching. Her class includes students with a significant range of needs and in a thoughtful and diligent manner she ensures that all students engage in learning. She contextualises her teaching in Quality teaching principles, makes innovative use of technology to support learning and is an active participant in professional learning.

Embracing the opportunities provided by working in a small school, Angela has taken on responsibility for many aspects of school life including coordination of the Creative Arts and sports programs. She takes particular responsibility for the many valued activities linking the school and the Guyra community.

Angela Hayes is an excellent teacher who makes outstanding contributions within and beyond the school. She is a worthy recipient of an Alan Kerr Memorial Award.”

“St Mary of the Angels school community congratulates Angela on this wonderful achievement,” said Mrs Wittig. “She is an asset to our school, firstly as an excellent educator, secondly as a fantastic role model to her students and other young aspiring teachers and finally as a dedicated and committed teacher who does much to enhance the reputation of our school.”