Early learning recognised in finalist announcement for Public Education Awards in SA

The finalists for the 2024 South Australian Public Education Awards have been announced, with a number of early learning inclusions on the list. 

The Awards showcase innovation, excellence and equity across public education in South Australia, with individuals and teams named across 11 categories, recognised for the work they do with students, families and communities to unlock their potential, enabling them to learn and thrive.

“The categories reflect the priorities in our strategy for public education and they highlight the development of learner agency, equity, inclusion, reconciliation, wellbeing and excellence and equity,” Department for Education Chief Executive Professor Martin Westwell said.

“Our educators and staff play a critical role in shaping the lives of children and young people, and their passion and expertise are invaluable. I congratulate all nominees and finalists and thank them for their contribution to public education across the state”.

Early learning finalists included in the announcement are: 

• For Excellence in Learner Agency: It’s all about Lizzy: celebrating learner agency through an Exhibition of Thinking, Madge Sexton Kindergarten
• For Inclusive Practices in Education: Parks Children’s Centre and Mykayla Demarco, Solomontown Kindergarten
• For Excellence in Leadership: Gordon Combes, The Briars Preschool

Winning an award gives schools, preschools, children’s centres and central employees the opportunity to share their expertise and be recognised for their outstanding impact.

“The awards showcase the passion, creativity and excellence we see every day in the public sector,” SA Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer said.

“The incredible finalists are a testament to the amazing work our educators do in engaging students, driving academic achievement and championing diversity”.

Finalists and winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on 1 November. The winner of each category will receive $10,000 and two finalists from each category will receive $2,000 for professional development or to purchase resources for their site.

Read more about the Awards and finalists for 2024 here.