Beaconhills College awarded over 70 staff members with Length of Service awards on Thursday 5 May.
These achievements were celebrated with an afternoon tea and awards ceremony at the Pakenham campus, with categories including five, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service.
Head of human resources Penny Reed said that the school’s work culture was one of the main reasons that staff continue working with the college for so long.
“People want to come to work here – we have a great culture and wonderful people to work with,” she said.
Former head of middle school Frank Pagliuca received a 25 years of service award and said the sense of community in the college was highly important to him.
“When we support and look out for each other, it makes us all feel valued,” he said.
“That helps us to feel connected – especially in this environment where we work so hard to make a difference with our students through helping them to reach their full potential.”
The longest-serving staff member awarded at the ceremony was visual arts teacher Maria Tsiagalos with 30 years of service.
“I want to acknowledge many wonderful staff who have had a positive impact on me throughout my time at the college both in a personal and professional capacity,” she said in her acceptance speech.
“People often ask me ‘so when are you retiring?’ Honestly, I think it will be the day when I stop enjoying what I do.”
