COUNTRY VICTORIA’S NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR
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Vol 2 No 31 THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 ISSN 2653-1550
TOP TEACHER AIDE IN RUNNING FOR NATIONAL HONOUR
CLASS KERRY
KERRY Walker will today be announced as Victoria’s top teacher aide.
The Wedderburn College student support co-ordinator will represent Victoria in the national award during Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week next month. Kerry has been praised for supporting the inclusion, wellbeing and learning of all students. Principal Danny Forrest said: “Kerry is an unbelievably dedicated staff member who puts everyone before herself ... students, families and other staff. “She is one of our key members of staff and we are not surprised Kerry has taken out the Victorian award and we hope she has a good chance in the national awards,” Mr Forrest said. “When we put together the nomination, there was a lot about what Kerry does that we had to leave out because of word limits.“ Kerry said: “I’m completely taken aback. It’s a lovely surprise but I don’t think I do more than anyone else.” The state award comes on the 20th anniversary of Kerry starting work at Wedderburn College as a teacher aide. “My interest in starting a career as an aide was sparked by my brother who has Down Syndrome and seeing how a great education can make a difference,” Kerry said. “I’m still driven by that and helping every child have the best chance to be the best they can. ““I have never tired of the work and am always learning. “I am blessed to be in the posi-
Kerry Walker ... a 20-year career has been recognised with the title of Victoria’s teacher aide of the year. LH PHOTO tion and able to make a difference. “Every day is a great day and there’s nothing better than the pleasure of seeing students succeed. “Just because we are a rural school doesn’t mean that the students have to miss out,” Kerry said. Australian Teacher Aide initiated its awards program in 2018 to
recognise the outstanding work of teacher aides. “The Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards, which are in their fifth year, showcase the many ways teacher aides support students, colleagues, and the wider community. What makes these awards unique is that they are a national award, and nominations can be made by schools from all sectors.” said director and co-
founder of Australian Teacher Aide Mandy Bell. Kerry was nominated by Mr Forrest and leading teacher Lea Humphrey. They said Kerry has worked with students from Foundation (Prep) through to Year 12 and “is held in high regard within the wider community, has been crucial in supporting the inclusion, wellbeing and learning of all stu-
dents, and is often seen as the bridge between the school and wider community. “Kerry is dedicated to helping achieve positive outcomes for students and families, and is a fierce advocate for the college’s most vulnerable children and families” Mr Forrest and Ms Humphrey said. The national award will be announced in September 1.
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