Commitment to lifelong learning recognised
Each year, Adult Learner鈥檚 Week is celebrated across the globe with thousands of events and activities designed to promote the benefits of learning in the home, at work and in the community.
For Atwea, Adult Learners鈥� Week also provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of adult and lifelong learning in our community and this year we also initiated a programme of education activities so people could sample of the breadth of learning experiences available through Atwea.
Between 3-6 September, our Alesco Senior College, Academy of Creative Arts and our Registered Training Organisation ran Open Days where we offered a range of fun and free lifestyle courses.
The celebrations culminated in the Adult Learners鈥� Week Awards Night, at which five people who demonstrated an outstanding commitment to learning and education were recognised for their commitment to lifelong learning.
Penelope Pearce was named winner of the Alan Melling Memorial Award for her dedication and passion for teaching. Penny is a teacher in aged care support and was nominated by her peers and students because of her presence and work ethic which ensures it鈥檚 an effective and well-organised learning environment.
Business and IT, and Links to Learning trainer, Stephen Buchanan, was named the winner of the Ray Sandy Memorial Award. The award is made in honour of the late Ray Sandy who was an IT tutor with Atwea and recognises a trainer who is dedicated to supporting students explore the field of IT. Stephen was instrumental in the development of resources that attracted funding to enable local small businesses to undertake skills training.
The Paul Mather Memorial Award recognises a student of Atwea’s Alesco Senior College for their dedication to study and was presented to Anais Pogson. Atwea recognises that Anais demonstrated maturity and dedication to her studies and represented everything that the school stands for in terms of inclusiveness, learning and respect.
The Outstanding Tutor of the Year award was awarded to Amanda Johnston for her caring and nurturing approach to educating and training students with disabilities. This work included a project with Response Group and MaiWel. Her caring and nurturing personality has meant that these providers have requested that Amanda personally continues teaching with them.
Diploma of Musical Theatre student, Kimberley Dingle was named the Outstanding Student of the Year. The award is given to a student who has shown a commitment to education while overcoming obstacles. She was asked to mentor students as part of Newcastle High School鈥檚 gifted and talented performing arts program. Since graduating, Kimberley was invited to visit New York to attend theatre workshops presented by Music Theatre International.
Congratulations to the winners!
