SA’s top government school educators named in Public Education Awards 2024

A principal whose leadership led to increased attendance and fewer behavioural issues is among SA’s top public educators. See the list of award winners.

Under Penny Tranter’s leadership at Seaview High School, attendance is up, behavioural issues are down and staff retention has improved.

Ms Tranter, as principal of the school, implemented a holistic wellbeing program which resulted in a 20 per cent improvement in student attendance and a reduction in behavioural incidents.

Staff retention also increased by 15 per cent over three years.

Seaview High School principal Penny Tranter won the excellence in leadership award. Picture: Supplied.

Elizabeth Vale Primary School community connections co-ordinator Nina Swinkels won the excellence in collaborative partnerships award. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Tranter is among educators honoured at the 2024 Public Education Awards on Friday, who each received $10,000 for professional development or to purchase resources for their site.

She received the excellence in leadership award.

Elizabeth Vale Primary School community connections co-ordinator Nina Swinkels was honoured with the excellence in collaborative partnerships award for advocating for local women, facilitating access to essential services and fostering community engagement.

Initiatives Ms Swinkels worked on include distributing more than 1600 food parcels, securing $52,000 in scholarships and supporting families in crisis.

The Yaityangka Team at Willunga High School received the Aunty Josie Agius Award for fostering a strong sense of belonging among indigenous students at the school.

Since 2022, their initiatives have increased indigenous attendance from 65 per cent to 79 per cent this year.

The Yaityangka Team at Willunga High School won the Aunty Josie Agius Award. Picture: Supplied.

Education Department chief executive Professor Martin Westwell says he believes that “the educators in South Australia’s public schools and preschools are among the best in the country”.

“Not only do they help students achieve high levels of excellence in learning, they often go the extra mile to make a huge difference in the lives of children and their families,” Prof Westwell said.

Education Minister Blair Boyer said the awards recognise the “extraordinary talent we have in the sector”.

“These awards provide an opportunity to pause and reflect on the incredible work carried out in schools right across South Australia,” Mr Boyer said.

Other 2024 South Australian Public Education Award Winners include:

Excellence and Equity in Education Award sponsored by Credit Union SA: – Taparra Primary School

Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award: Natasha Paffett, Science, Mathematics and Whole School Numeracy Leader – Wirreanda Secondary School

Excellence in Learner Agency Award: Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) Team – Para Hills High School

Inclusive Practices in Education Award: Mykayla Demarco, Teacher, Inclusive Preschool Program – Solomontown Kindergarten

Outstanding Safety Initiatives Award: Employee Psychology Services

Excellence in the Support of Early Career Teachers Award: Rachel Dennis, Early Career Teacher Lead and Facilitator – Cummins Area School

Outstanding Reconciliation Initiatives Award: Adnyamathanha language program – Leigh Creek Area School

Excellence in Collective Wellbeing Award: Andamooka Primary School.

Originally published as SA’s top government school educators named in Public Education Awards 2024