Excellence rewarded

By Kelly Yates
FOUR Casey schools have been recognised as reaching new standards of excellence in teacher training and development.
Fountain Gate Primary School, Southern Cross Primary School, Narre Warren South P-12 College and Maramba Primary School all received a performance and development culture accreditation from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
More than 300 Victorian schools across the state received the accreditation from Parliamentary Secretary for Education Steve Herbert during a ceremony at Blackburn High School early this month.
Mr Herbert said it was fantastic to see some of Victoria’s most creative and dynamic schools being recognised for their commitment to constantly improving, developing and nurturing teachers’ skills.
“A teacher’s knowledge and skills are the most important educational resource a school possesses as teachers play a vital role in motivating and inspiring students,” he said. “Teachers who are well supported and given the opportunity to nurture and develop their skills, will in turn, create better outcomes for their students.”
Teacher training and development is a key element of the Brumby Government’s recently released Blueprint for Education and Early Childhood Development.
The accreditation process recognised schools with high-quality mentoring and induction programs, effective use of feedback, excellent processes for developing and managing staff and a school culture that was supportive of professional growth.
Fountain Gate Primary School’s Grade 4 teacher Mary Hutchinson said the school had worked very hard to achieve the accreditation.