BUCKETTS Way Community of Schools held a Recognition Assembly on Wednesday 5 August in Gloucester High School Hall as part of the 2026 Public Education Week.
The aim of the awards was to recognise the achievements of public school students, teachers and community members along the Bucketts Way.
The Bucketts Way Community of Schools includes Barrington PS, Gloucester PS, Gloucester High School, Stratford PS, Stroud PS, Stroud Road PS and Booral PS.
The theme for this year’s Education Week was Inspiring Excellence.
Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Murat Dizdar noted, “Inspiring excellence starts with the people who show up for our students every day.
“Teaching is one of the few professions where success is measured by the success of others.”
“Public schools are the heart of our nation: places where students from all walks of life come together to learn, grow and imagine new futures,” said Dr Manisha Amin, CEO of the Public School Foundation.
“You can gauge the worth of a nation by its education system, and today we celebrate the people shaping that future.
“Our public schools are part of our community, and the parents and volunteers who support them are a fundamental part of what makes our schools so special.”
Addressing the audience at the Recognition Assembly, Relieving Principal of Gloucester High School, Ms Jackie Dalton elaborated on these themes.
“Education Week is a time to celebrate where we are but also a time when we can look ahead to where our students are going,” Ms Dalton said..
“We are living in an era of unprecedented pace, one in which technology has in many ways made our world smaller, instantly connecting our local towns to globalised ideas, industry and opportunities.
“Because of this rapid evolution our mission as educators is far more than just teaching content.
“It is about preparing our students for an ever-changing world.
“We are equipping them with critical, creative thinking, capability, digital literacy and resilience to navigate careers and technologies that haven’t yet been created.
“Just as technology shrinks distances, it highlights how vital human connection, adaptability and lifelong learning really are.
“The spirit of unity was amazingly demonstrated during our joint NAIDOC celebrations across our community of schools.
“A lasting symbol of this connection has been the collaborative indigenous painting created by our joint celebration.
“It represents our shared journey, our respect for culture and the individual paths that interweave to form our collective community.
“Just like the artwork, our educational journey is rich, interconnected and built together, line by line, story by story.
“It stands as a physical reminder in our school of what we can build together with open hearts and minds.
“Our award recipients are being recognised today for their contributions. Congratulations.
“Your dedication, persistent leadership and kindness embody the very best of our community and our schools’ culture.
“Keep striving, keep asking questions and never stop believing in your ability to make a difference.
“As we celebrate Education Week let us commit to strengthening these connections between our schools, our families and local communities in the Bucketts Way.”
The awards for Excellence in Teaching, which recognised educators who demonstrated exceptional capability, passion and impact in their instructional roles, went to Risa Tomita, Joshua Browning, Susan McLeod, Amy Schafer, Kate Radford, Trudie Murray and Amy Sansom.
The Community Member Awards went to Andrew Charlier, David Mann, Jodie House, Linda Rozynski, Rebecca Evans and John Hughes in recognition of their “exemplary citizenship, collaboration and deep commitment to strengthening the collective community”.
School Administrative and Support Staff Excellence Award recipients included Kim Haschek, Andrea McInnes, Kirsty Allardice, Julie Clarke, Kim Rigley, Jodie Waters and Julie Andrews in recognition of their “outstanding dedication to school operations, student growth and community support”.
Outstanding Program Award recipients included Sam Corrnall, Toni Corbett, Toni Stanton, Sarah Soupidis, Katie Harvey, Amy Schafer, Leanne Wakefield, Felicity Hawkins, Tina Fletcher, Sarah Pass and Cathy Beard.
Citizenship Award recipients Kamryn Beard, Daniel Brooks, Fern Wilson, Laila Malekou, Zane McBride, Ivy Porter and Jessica Webb were recognised to honour their contribution to creating “a positive, inclusive and supportive school environment”.
Emma Warner, Phoebe Thomas, Kiarah Grossen, Roy Falla, Delilah Fischer, Zarliah Ruyter, Elora McLean and Liam Peters each received an Attitude to Learning Award for their “exemplary work ethic, active engagement and exceptional mindset towards their studies”.
Indigenous Culture and Leadership Awards were presented to Jaxson Galvin, Hailee Labry, Zeus Genoli, Kade Galvin and Darby Reece in recognition of their “outstanding commitment to preserving, sharing and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and reconciliation within the school community.”
Kyharlee Holden, Amy Rumbel, Lille Bell-White, Tyler Garland, Zach Wenham, Jasmin Tawse and Mia Wall each received an Endeavour Award in recognition of their “remarkable determination, resilience and measurable personal growth over time.”
Alison Penfold, Member for Lyne, Rochelle Dooley, Director Educational Leadership (rel), Jarrad Galvin, Gloucester Worimi Aboriginal Corp and Mo Hjorth, Gloucester Rotary Club presented awards to recipients.
By Marilyn SANDERSON
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