St Elizabeth’s Parish School teacher Jason Micallef was recognised as one of Victoria’s best primary school teachers. He is supported by Grade 6 students Jayden, Nathan, Ashleigh and Katy. 72453
By Nicole Williams
AN ANONYMOUS nomination led St Elizabeth’s Parish School teacher Jason Micallef to be recognised as one of Australia’s best primary school teachers.
Mr Micallef was named a state finalist in the 2011 Australian Awards for Outstanding Teaching and School Leadership in Thursday 13 October.
“You just go about your business, not realising other people might be watching,” he said.
“It’s a surprise because you just do what you do but it is kind of nice.”
Bruce MP Alan Griffin congratulated Mr Micallef on leaving his mark on the school and making it so far in the awards.
“Mr Micallef has made an outstanding contribution to our community by demonstrating innovation in his teaching practices and providing a positive schooling experience for local students,” Mr Griffin said.
The 38-year-old media studies teacher had no idea who nominated him and only found out about the honour when he received a letter from the Catholic Education Office.
The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership soon contacted him to let him know he was one of only three primary school teachers to receive the recognition as a state finalist at the award ceremony – with one each from public, independent and catholic primary schools.
Certificates were presented by Federal Minister for School Education Peter Garrett to 39 state and territory finalists, from which five national winners were chosen.
