Awards for educators
Schools
A teacher from St Mary Mackillop School, Wallaroo, has been recognised at the 2023 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards.
Annette Morphett, Learning and Inclusive Education coordinator, was among 22 outstanding educators from across Australia who were honoured for their innovation, dedication towards improving educational opportunities for their students and their transformational impact in their schools and communities.
Dr Morphett was also awarded a 12-month teaching fellowship which includes funding for the school to amplify the impact of a professional learning program that will make a difference to students and staff.
Presented at Parliament House in Canberra, the awards were attended by Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey, Education Minister Hon Jason Clare MP and Port Pirie Diocese director of Catholic Education Nichii Mardon.
Dr Morphett’s experience in improving student learning outcomes includes teaching and evaluating educational programs and assessments, promoting research-based knowledge for staff by sharing academic readings and leading staff professional learning.
She also provides intervention support for students with specific learning difficulties, disability as well as programs for gifted and talented students.
A passionate and vocal advocate for equity and excellence in rural education, Dr Morphett has provided written submissions for educational reviews, sat on executive boards and councils, and presented to parents and at academic conferences.
In 2019, she was awarded the Australian Rural Education Award by the Society for the Provision of Education in Rural Australia (SPERA).
Her professional experience includes tertiary education. She has taught postgraduate Masters’ students, worked as an academic research assistant and currently teaches undergraduate education students.
In 2022 Dr Morphett completed her PhD focusing on mathematics in rural schools and how teachers enact the Australian Curriculum to embrace rural students’ lived experience and unique contexts.
The St Aloysius School community is also celebrating the achievements of principal Paddy McEvoy, who has been recognised by the Australian Council for Educational Leaders with an ACEL SA Educational Leadership Award.
This award is in recognition of Ms McEvoy’s advocacy for the benefits of all-girls’ education, and leading a community that ‘embraces diversity, promotes excellence for all students, and empowers graduates to pursue careers which challenge gendered thinking’.
Along with her many accomplishments, Ms McEvoy was acknowledged by ACEL as a committed Catholic educator who empowers young women to pursue their futures with passion and purpose.
Paddy McEvoy at the awards presentation with Minister for Education Blair Boyer (left) and Warren Symonds, ACEL SA Branch president.
