The CCGPS comprises Cessnock High School and Mount View High School and their 13 feeder primary schools.

More than 60 awards were presented, for outstanding contribution by a school member, excellence in student achievement, outstanding contribution by a non-teaching member of staff, excellence in teaching, and school achievement.

Mount View High principal Desley Pfeffer delivered the Education Week address, reflecting on the 2015 theme ‘Celebrating Local Heroes’.

Ms. Pfeffer said the awards celebrated not only current but future local heroes, and the quality of education in the CCGPS.

“For every young person recognised here today, there are so many more that are equally as deserving,” she said.

CESSNOCK COMMUNITY OF GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS – EDUCATION WEEK AWARDS 2015

Outstanding Contribution by a School Community Member

Abermain Public School – Rodney Lake (for his outstanding contribution towards Aboriginal education and cultural awareness)

Bellbird PS – Kellie O'Connor (for commitment to the students of Bellbird Public School through ongoing involvement with the P&C)

Cessnock East PS – Stephanie Ekert (for being a dedicated and committed parent helper)

Cessnock High – Shayne Herring (for ongoing support and commitment to whole school initiatives, particularly agriculture)

Cessnock PS – Gina Harrison (for continual promotion and energetic contributions to the improvement of Cessnock Public School)

Cessnock West PS – Christine Boyd (for commitment and dedication to school improvement, fundraising and extra-curricular activities)

Congewai PS – Neil Lindsay (for support to students and the positive promotion of the school community)

Ellalong PS – Rachael Chapman (for supporting the school by managing the canteen and positive contributions to P&C initiatives)

Kitchener PS – Belinda Chamberlain (for consistently making positive contributions to enhance all students)

Millfield PS – Teresa Butler (for efforts towards providing opportunities for students across the CCGPS through development of the Cessnock Horse Sports Carnival)

Mount View High – Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent (for continued support of, and valued interest in supporting students of Mount View High School)

Mount View High – Senior Constable Matt Ellis (for exemplary and proactive support to youth at risk, and schools in the Cessnock local government area)

Nulkaba PS – Wendy Saywell (for outstanding dedication and support of the students, staff and community)

Paxton PS – Tracey Harrington (for outstanding contribution to Paxton Public School)

Excellence in Student Achievement

Abermain PS – Ellie Mitchell (for outstanding leadership, citizenship and communication to the schools core value of safety, respect and learning)

Bellbird PS – Dekoda-Lee Anderson (for engagement in a wide range of school activities, both curricular and extra-curricular)

Cessnock East PS – Clare O’Brien (for being a peer model who displays outstanding leadership skills)

Cessnock High – Emily Fairley (for outstanding personal attributes as a leader and an exemplary role model for other students)

Cessnock High – Carlo Limen

Cessnock PS – Jonah Williams (for outstanding achievement in sport)

Cessnock West PS – Grace Frankland-Shambler (for outstanding commitment and achievement in all areas of school and excellent leadership qualities)

Congewai PS – Jade Blackmore (for outstanding improvement in academic areas)

Ellalong PS – Charlotte Lucas (for being an excellent school citizen and outstanding student leader)

Kearsley PS – Louise Douglas (for outstanding improvement and achievement in all key learning areas)

Kitchener PS – Jennefer Wratten (for always being a positive role model to her peers and a conscientious student)

Laguna PS – Lara O’Sullivan (for demonstrating initiative and prowess in leading school assemblies and organising fundraising activities)

Millfield PS – Erin Jackson (for an outstanding contribution to Millfield Public School including leadership, sporting and academic excellence)

Mount View High – Jordan Herring (for contribution to the school community through sound and lighting team management)

Mount View High – Meighan Winchester (for consistent dedication and achievement in academic and cultural pursuits)

Nulkaba PS – Chloe Beckett (for dedication to her studies and excellence in leadership, academic and extra-curricular activities)

Nulkaba PS – Mason Forrest (for his willingness to take on new roles and excellence in academic and sporting pursuits)

Paxton PS – Connor Archer (for demonstrating leadership skills and contributing to the school core values)

Outstanding Contribution by a Non-teaching Staff Member

Bellbird PS – Gaynor Craft (for supporting the students and staff of Bellbird Public School and going the extra mile)

Cessnock East PS – Robyn King (for dedication and commitment to keeping the school's environment looking outstanding)

Cessnock High – Belinda Stacey (for dedication and support for all School Learning Support Officers and students in her role)

Cessnock PS – Natalie McNamara (for outstanding contributions to the quality of school life for all at Cessnock Public School)

Cessnock West PS – Andrew Miller (continued dedication to school improvement and the development of innovative practices)

Congewai PS – Wayne Blake (for supporting school learning programs, ensuring support structures are constructed and maintained)

Ellalong PS – Kylie Watters (for commitment to the learning needs of students through her work as a School Learning Support Officer)

Kitchener PS – Monique Osland (for creating a positive and supportive learning experience enabling all students to reach their potential)

Laguna PS – Jeanette Whitehead (for outstanding performance of duties as the School Administrative Manager and First Aid Officer)

Millfield PS – Lorraine Goudie (for outstanding contributions to Millfield Public School over 28 years as School Administration Manager)

Mount View High – Phil Dearin (for significant contribution and dedication to the agricultural program, staff, students and facilities)

Mount View High – Michelle Bedford (for commitment to, and strong advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students)

Nulkaba PS – Tania March (for a caring and considerate approach to supporting the students and staff)

Excellence in Teaching

Bellbird PS – Christine Handley (for dedicated commitment to the students at Bellbird Public School over a 20-year period)

Cessnock East PS – Annie Devine (for being an outstanding practitioner who willingly shares her passion for the creative arts)

Cessnock High – Debbie Miles (for excellence in faculty leadership with a willingness to lead and embrace new school directions)

Cessnock PS – Kerrie Hughes (for outstanding contributions to teaching, especially with expertise for intervention techniques)

Cessnock West PS – Sarah Harper (for outstanding commitment to the students and school community and willingness to support new initiatives)

Congewai PS – Benita Van Der Wel (for encouraging and nurturing all learners and empowering the individuals to reach beyond barriers)

Ellalong PS – Frances Barnes (for commitment to the education and wellbeing of our students through excellence in teaching)

Kitchener PS – Linda Finch (for demonstrating outstanding educational standards that are enhancing the students)

Mount View High – Nyree Wiseman (for excellence in visual arts projects in the school and local community)

Mount View High – Rebecca Bartlett (for demonstrated excellence in teaching and demonstrated commitment to student wellbeing)

Nulkaba PS – Lauren Gray (for outstanding dedication and delivery of wonderful educational experiences for students at Nulkaba Public School)

School Achievement Award

Abermain PS – Clever Kids (an innovative and exciting transition program to engage and strengthen school relationships)

Cessnock East PS – Project-based Learning (initiation of project-based learning to improve student outcomes)

Cessnock High – Teachers Requiring Accreditation Mentoring (best practice in the development and mentoring of early career teachers)

Cessnock PS – Gifted and Talented Art Classes (constant recognition and fostering of talents)

Cessnock West PS – Moani Aboriginal Education Team (assisting in providing cultural identity along with leadership skills and a sense of community)

Congewai PS – Community Connections Program (student-led development and implementation of authentic connections throughout our community)

Kitchener PS – Positive Behaviour for Learning (developing a strong school culture and positive environment for all students and staff)

Millfield PS – Public Speaking and Debating Program (substantial improvements in the language, organisation and presentation skills of students over three years)

Mount View High – Reading for Meaning – A Literacy Professional Development Program (a well-structured and highly effective program incorporating staff professional development and improved student outcomes)