21-March-2005
Goldstein Media Releases, Education and Training
St Mary’s Primary School in Hampton is the winner of a 2004 National Award for Quality, has collected $10,000 in prize money for their achievements.
The National Awards for Quality Schooling were established in 2003 to encourage and award improvement in student learning outcomes. The NAQ’s recognise schools, teachers, teams of teachers and principals based on evidence that school improvement strategies have improved student performance.
A total of 51 schools, 6 principals and 16 teachers were awarded prizes in many different areas. These include support for disabled students, student welfare and retention, community partnerships, support for indigenous students, vocational education and curriculum.
St Mary’s received their award for its achievement in Whole School Literacy Improvements. Through the leadership and vision of Ms Margaret Doolan, Principal of St Mary’s, the academic performance, reputation and enrolments have improved. Ms Doolan’s implementation of the Victorian Catholics Education Office’s Literacy Success Strategy (CLaSS) has increased standards of literacy at St Mary’s and professional development has also contributed to a cultural change amongst teachers and the school community.
“I am very pleased to congratulate St Mary’s Primary, and their Principal Margaret Doolan, for their excellent achievement in winning this award for improvement in literacy” the Federal Member for Goldstein, Andrew Robb, said. “It is so important to recognise the important work of our educators and to encourage them and the wider community to take pride in their achievements.”
The Howard Government has committed $1 million in 2005 for the National Awards for Quality Schooling.
Further information on these awards can be found at www.niqtsl.edu.au
“I look forward to congratulating many more bayside schools receiving awards such as this.”
Andrew Robb will be attending a general assembly at St Mary’s Primary School and presenting their Principal, Margaret Doolan, with the award and prize money on Monday March 21st.
Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567