Well it’s been an exciting week.  Dorothy Waide Centre for Early Learning has been recognised in the Australian Awards for Teaching Excellence with a highly commended award in the schools and community section.

The Australian Awards for Teaching Excellence celebrate teaching and its contribution to our nation. They recognise the pivotal role of the teaching profession in delivering high quality education for young Australians.

The Awards honour exceptional teachers, including teacher leaders and beginning teachers, principals and support staff who work creatively and tirelessly to make a difference to the lives and opportunities of young people.

Members of the school and its wider community, including colleagues, students and parents, nominate people they know who make an outstanding contribution to their school and outcomes for students.

In 2009 the Australian Awards for Teaching Excellence recognise 64 exceptional winners in six categories:

Excellence by a Teacher
Excellence in Teacher Leadership
Excellence by a Principal
Excellence by a Beginning Teacher
Excellence by a Support Staff Member
Excellence by a School and its Community

Our award citation reads ..

”Early learning that responds to children’s interests and needs”

“The Dorothy Waide Centre is a model for best practice in early childhood education, investing in well-qualified staff, ongoing professional learning and inspiring leadership.

The Centre’s appealing learning environment encourages play and investigation. The curriculum is designed around the interests and developmental needs of the children. Learning is extended through strong connections with children’s families and the community.

Technology is used imaginatively as part of learning and to communicate with parents in innovative, dynamic ways.

The Centre’s programs are at the forefront of contemporary understanding about learning in early childhood.”

The Dorothy Waide Centre for Early LEarning was the only early childhood program represented in the awards.