Honouring Excellence: Diocese of Lismore Educators Shine at HALT Awards

Four exceptional educators from the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools were honoured on World Teachers' Day at the HALT Awards Ceremony for their dedication to teaching excellence, inspiring students, and enriching their school communities. (25 October 2024)

On World Teachers' Day, four outstanding educators from the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools were celebrated at the Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) Awards Ceremony at the NSW Parliament House. Joining an elite cohort of 34 teachers from across New South Wales, these dedicated professionals were honoured for their exceptional commitment to educational excellence and their inspiring impact on students and school communities.

Congratulations to our HALT-certified educators:

• Kara Dewhurst (St Joseph’s Primary, Wauchope)
• Vanessa Gray (St Joseph’s Regional College, Port Macquarie)
• Jessica Wilson (St Ambrose Catholic Primary School, Pottsville)
• Megan Robinson (St James' Primary School, Banora Point)

During the ceremony, Paul Martin, CEO of NESA, highlighted the words of Megan Robinson, who shared, 'Many avenues for career advancement pull teachers away from the classroom, which contradicts my passion. HALT accreditation offers invaluable opportunities for classroom teachers to engage in continuous reflection and collaborative growth, allowing us to refine our practices and enhance our impact on students. This journey of improvement is far from over for me. I eagerly anticipate continued learning alongside my students and colleagues in the years ahead.'

The HALT certification process is both rigorous and highly respected, designed to support national teaching standards while fostering reflective practice and professional growth within the classroom. We proudly celebrate the achievements of Megan, Jessica, Vanessa, and Kara, confident that they will continue to mentor and inspire the next generation of teachers, fostering a culture of excellence and passion within Catholic education.

As a community, we look forward to the lasting impact of their work, which will enrich students' educational journeys and uplift the teaching profession for educators at every career stage.