Dapto High School principal Andrew FitzSimons and Albion Park Rail Public School deputy principal Romina Maione have been recognised by the Smith Family at The National Excellence in Teaching Awards for helping break the cycle of disadvantage.
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Mr FitzSimons and Ms Maione were presented with the Smith Family Powering Potential Award for their efforts supporting students.
Mr FitzSimons was acknowledged for fostering innovative partnerships with local community groups, including The Smith Family, to ensure children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are supported in their education.
A teacher since 1976, his passion for the profession has not waned over 45 years, including the last 18 as principal. He said what he loved most about teaching was it was entirely authentic.
"If we do a good job we make a positive difference in the lives of young people. And if we do that we make a positive difference in the life of the community," Mr FitzSimons said.
"If Dapto High is a good school, then our community is safer, more creative, resilient, and productive.
"The principal role gives me extraordinary opportunities and responsibilities, and while these can sometimes seem overwhelming, I love it."
Mr FitzSimons said Dapto was a school that welcomed everyone and was proudly comprehensive.
"We are not a rich school but we have formidable resources," he said.
"Once you walk through the gate we take it seriously. If you can't afford a computer we will lend you a computer. If you need help to be in uniform we will assist you.
"We run a breakfast club three days a week. If you come to school without sufficient food we will assist you.
"This is where you do your learning. But it is also where you will get encouragement."
Mr FitzSimons said the school wanted to give everyone equal opportunity.
"We have 1023 students at the moment," he said.
"We already have 190 children coming into Year 7 next year. And we will do our utmost to look after them."
Mr FitzSimons said lockdowns haven't been easy but every single student and staff member having access to a laptop has helped the school continue to provide students with a good education.
He said it was very humbling to have the school recognised by The Smith Family which has a long history of helping children with learning.
"They are involved in our school with lots of students in different programs."
Mr FitzSimons encouraged anyone who can to consider contributing to The Smith Family's scholarship program because its impact was "absolutely lifechanging".
At Albion Park Rail Public School, Ms Maione has been deputy principal for two years and is being recognised for the way she identifies children for The Smith Family's scholarship program and launching the Smith Family Learning Club to give struggling students a leg up.
"I work a lot with families to make sure they can get put on the scholarships for Learning for Life. We have 105 students who are on the Learning for Life program at the moment," she said.
The Smith Family described Ms Maione as an inspiring educator, committed to improving students' wellbeing.
"The greatest accomplishments are seeing students master a skill like learning to read or write, but most of all seeing them fall in love with learning," she said.
"I have so many wonderful memories of the schools I have worked in, the students I have taught, the staff I have worked with and the families I have gotten to know."
Ms Maione said one of the major achievements at the school this year was introducing a learning homework hub.
"It is run on a Tuesday morning. Students can come into the school and get some additional help with completing their homework from teaching volunteers," she said.
"We also ran a free breakfast program for students every day prior to COVID. And it will return so children can access a free breakfast. We work with the Food Bank on that."
Ms Maione said she tries to build a relationship with parents so they feel they can call her anytime.
"And we try and do as many check-ins as we can with our families to see how we can support them," she said.
"We also work closely with our students to give them every opportunity. We are looking to introduce one-to-one devices for our students. The school will purchase those so there is no cost to the parents. We work as a team here so it is a whole school effort. We want the best four our students. We want to give them every opportunity to succeed and to learn."
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
