Staff Contacts

The staff at Mount Gambier High School are recognised as being a very special group of people. Get in touch with us here.

Recognition of Excellence

NEiTA 2008

The Australian Scholarships Group formed NEiTA in 1994 to conduct a program of national awards honouring exemplary teachers in Australian schools and early childhood centres.

The awards promote public recognition of the teaching profession and specifically those teachers whose inspirational approach to teaching stimulates student learning. This year eleven teachers from Mount Gambier High School were nominated and six, Samantha Brown, Emily Ciardiello, Eluisa Crispino, Peter Duffett, Wilf Nitschke, Chris Wilson, were named finalists for 2008.

Principal, Garry Costello said the nominations were a significant honour and he was extremely proud of the finalists. 'They are fabulous teachers and all of them are richly deserving of the award,' he said.

Operation Flinders : The Boot Award 2008

Since 1994 Penne Saffin has participated thirteen times in Operation Flinders. This program provides young people between the ages of 14 and 18 with the opportunity to develop team skills, personal strengths and resilience, learn bush survival skills and enjoy exciting challenges while walking in the Flinders Ranges.

Over a period of seven days the students walk approximately 100 kilometres carrying packs with their own personal and sleeping gear.

When 10 trips and a 1000k's have been walked, Operation Flinders gives 'The Order of the Boot' to counsellors and group leaders who reach this milestone. Penne has walked 1,300kms.

Why does she do it?

'I love the countryside and the opportunity to be in a wilderness area away from civilisation. I also appreciate the opportunity to give students a chance to experience something outside their comfort zone and see how they respond to the challenge.

'I have had students give feedback, generally some years later, about the change that occurred for them as a result of the experience.'

National and state awards in teaching 2007

Early in 2007 three members of Mount Gambier High's staff received national recognition for their contribution to education. The awards are given to outstanding educators by Teaching Australia, the national body for the profession of teaching. These prestigious awards are very competitive and are an initiative of the Australian Government to recognise the important contribution those in schools make to young people, their families and the wider community. To receive three such awards in the one year from the thirteen numbers available is a tribute to the quality and professionalism of the teachers in our school and an affirmation of the excellence of public schooling. Click here for the full list of winners or here for more details.

Marion Williamson received the National Award for Quality Schooling in the Excellence by a support staff member while Toni Vorenas and Paul Jupe gained Excellence by a Teacher awards.

Also, early November CEASA (The Council of Education Associations of South Australia) recognised Toni and Paul's outstanding contribution to their profession on World Teachers Day when they were presented with certificates by the Minister for Education, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith. Only three South Australian teachers received Teaching Australia awards at this level.

2006 Cricket Australia Award

Health and Physical Education Coordinator, Tim Dyer was awarded the 2006 Cricket Australia CrickEd of the Year Award for South Australia.

The award supported by the South Australian Secondary Schools Sports Association and the S.A. Cricket Association highlights the high esteem in which he is held and the valuable contribution he makes to cricket in the education and community sectors. Cricket Australia recognises the dedication, expertise and enthusiasm Tim has for school cricket.

The award also acknowledges the impact he has had in promoting cricket widely in schools and introducing the game of cricket to school children year after year.

In recognition of his work in school cricket, he was invited to receive his award at the Allan Border Medal Dinner in Melbourne along with the other state winners.

Mr Dyer said he felt very privileged to receive this honour. 'However, what I am most proud about is the recognition the school has received for its program and I am most thankful for the support the school community has given over the years.'

Staff Resources

A collection of links and local resources can be found here