Attending Educators SA’s World Teachers’ Day Awards Night highlighted the powerful difference educators make. The Small Schools Association was proud to see small-school excellence recognised, including our very own Karen Murray, whose decades of generous, passionate service continue to benefit her small community in BIG ways!
Attending the World Teachers’ Day Awards Night at Adelaide Oval was a powerful reminder of the difference educators make in the lives of children and young people across South Australia.
Hosted by Educators SA, the evening celebrated educational excellence across public, Catholic and independent schools. Seventy-four awards were presented, alongside more than $112,000 in grants to support educators undertaking research and developing innovative teaching practices.
Minister Hood opened the evening by presenting 50 Association Awards, underscoring the government’s appreciation for the awardees’ dedication and expressing her gratitude for the vital work professional educator associations do alongside their daily teaching roles.
For the Small Schools Association, it was especially meaningful to see the talent, commitment and leadership of small-school educators recognised in the room. Congratulations to SAPPA Early Career Principal winner; Leanne Scudds, Principal of Newbery Park Primary School, whose work reflects the care and professionalism so often found in small school communities.
We were also immensely proud to acknowledge our very own SSASA Exec member, Karen Murray. Karen has served the Small Schools Association and its members with passion, integrity and generosity for several decades. As an executive member and past secretary, she gives tirelessly of her time and energy in support of small schools.
Currently the site leader of Penong Primary School on the Far West Coast, Karen is highly respected for her thoughtful leadership and her deep commitment to seeing students learn, grow and succeed. Her contribution is a wonderful example of the lasting influence educators can have on their schools, communities and profession.
The evening brought together education and government leaders, professional associations and school communities to celebrate the many ways educators contribute: through innovation, wellbeing, service, leadership and lifelong dedication. It was an inspiring occasion and a fitting tribute to a profession that continues to shape South Australia’s future.
See all the winners of the night here
