Caltex and Rotary Club of Sydney Awards for Innovation in Teaching

2007 Awards Winners The winning teachers of the 2007 Caltex and Rotary Club of Sydney Awards for Innovation in Teaching are: Connie D'Anna of Evans River K - 12 Community School in Evans Head, Northern NSW Ian Hale of Fairfield High School in Fairfield, Sydney Poobal Naidoo of Thomas Reddall High School in Ambarvale, Sydney These teachers were recognised for their original and dynamic educational programs at a Rotary Club of Sydney luncheon on 30 October 2007.

Winners 2007 (left to right: Gary Browne (President, Rotary Club of Sydney), Poobal Naidoo, Connie D’Anna, Ian Hale and Des King (Managing Director and CEO, Caltex))

Connie D'Anna, Evans River K-12 Community School, Evans Head
Mrs D’Anna has created and coordinates three unique work-in-school programs: the School to Employment Program (STEP), Work in School Program (WISP) and the Green Team program.

Each intervention enables students who feel disengaged from conventional school curricula to gain credentials that will improve their employment prospects. Students who participate in the initiatives feel valued, grow in self confidence and are motivated to attend school.

Ian Hale, Fairfield High School, Fairfield
Mr Hale has developed and leads the Gifted and Talented Visual Arts Primary School Program for selected students from 22 primary schools in south-western Sydney. The program annually enlists the support of 80 teachers from participating primary schools and 66 Fairfield High student mentors.

Based at Fairfield High School, Mr Hale’s program identifies, develops and promotes artistic talent in an unprecedented number of students in Years 3 to 6. Program participants are encouraged to think independently, acquire new skills and produce sophisticated works of art.

Poobal Naidoo, Thomas Reddall High School, Ambarvale
Dr Naidoo’s commitment to making student support and counselling services more user friendly has changed the way students at Thomas Reddall High School (TRHS) access help.

The educationalist’s powerful leadership program, ‘TRHS Leaders: supporters of student well-being’ comprises 35 students who help extend the reach of the school’s student services through peer support and mentoring. These leaders undergo sustained training to boost their capacity to help fellow students – training that enhances their interpersonal skills.

By demystifying counselling and making it easy to access, Dr Naidoo’s initiatives have benefited many students, evidenced in improved rates of school attendance and self confidence.