Shine Magazine, Issue 9, October 2009 - Department of Education ...

Longwarry principal
nominated for award
Staff and parents at Longwarry Primary School in Gippsland are so passionate about
principal Peter McKay and the positive changes he has made to the school, that they
nominated him for a National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA). By Elana Panayiotou
The award, which recognises inspirational teaching in
schools across Australia, provides parents and school
communities with a unique opportunity to say thank you to
an outstanding and hard-working teacher.
Since his appointment six years ago, Mr McKay has created
a collaborative and open environment between the school
and the wider community, making the school “a place where
everyone is welcome.”
“By closely involving parents in various school programs,
Peter reinforces the value of school and the importance of
quality education. Parents feel they are an integral part of
their students’ learning,” Tracey Stephens, president of the
Parents and Friends Association, says.
Newly graduated teacher, Wayne Higgins, is thrilled to be
part of a school community where everybody is focused on
student learning. “Mr McKay is an inspiration for the school,
always putting the needs of the students first.”
Overwhelmed with the support from the school community,
Mr McKay is thrilled many think so highly of him. “I
cannot describe how I feel – it is an honour and privilege to
be nominated by people I work with everyday,” he said. “It
really reinforces the community oriented environment that
has been developed at the school.”
Sixty award winners will be announced in November,
with a further 10 second-round winners to be announced
in January.
Welcome to Primary School
A Parent’s Guide to Victorian
Government Primary Schools for 2010
Distributed in Term 4 to all kindergarten venues for
parents of 3 and 4 year old children.
Primary and Special Schools will receive copies to meet
additional needs.
Enquiries to parenthandbook@edumail.vic.gov.au