Citizen of the Year Awards

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (15:12): I rise today to pay tribute to and celebrate the achievements of schoolchildren in my electorate of Elder to whom I had the privilege, at the end of the 2016 school year, to award Citizen of the Year awards in recognition of their endeavours. There is no denying that a good education is essential in creating the best citizens of today and tomorrow, and I have the honour of presenting an annual award to students nominated by their schools who are deemed to demonstrate exceptional behaviour.

The award is based not just on academic achievement but on the behaviours that students demonstrate. Some of the requirements for nomination for the award are that the students show great community spirit, respect for others, a willingness to help their fellow students as well as their teachers and a drive to improve themselves and the school community. I want to congratulate the winners who have made their schools and communities proud, and would like to take this time to speak briefly about the schools and the students.

Firstly, Forbes Primary School is a school of excellent community spirit that prides itself on its diversity. The students are from a wide range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Forbes is in the process of developing a new STEM facility after receiving funding from the Weatherill government, and I look forward to meeting the future scientists, mathematicians and engineers who will be nurtured by this facility.

Forbes nominated two exceptional young women for the award this year: Maryam Hamoshi and Abby Logan. Maryam and Abby were nominated for their constant willingness to help others and also their confidence and grace in always stepping forward to represent the student body as school ambassadors, as Student Representative Council representatives, and taking every opportunity to be leaders at their school.

Ascot Park Primary School is a school dedicated to its principles of respect, responsibility and excellence. It aims to educate and encourage its students to be the very best community members possible. The two students nominated by their school were Calvin Currie and Dylan Ling. Calvin and Dylan were both recognised as school leaders who importantly demonstrated attributes of respect to all, always seeing the opportunity to help others, taking on responsibilities within their school and being true community focused role models.

Edwardstown Primary School is known for its community involvement, including its incredible Strawberry Fair, which is a well recognised and attended local event. The school is also known for its emphasis on teaching, caring and respect. The young women who were nominated are brilliant examples of their success, Stephanie Nyrgaard and Tabitha Warde. Stephanie and Tabitha impressed their teachers with their excellent attitudes and willingness to help others while showing great respect, responsibility and maturity.

Next comes Christ the King which is a welcoming Catholic school which values respect of diversity and fosters community, and teaches that education and faith go hand in hand in encouraging students to be respectful, engaged members of the community. Lucas Kelly and Ruby Wellington were the two nominated students, as they showed a kind and respectful nature with dedication to their schooling through being positive role models, caring for their fellow students and showing leadership.

Clovelly Park Primary School is a culturally rich and diverse school emphasising the relationship between students and their parents/carers and the staff. Their students are taught that they are welcome within the community and can achieve great things no matter a person's background. Lara Keen and Matthew Alymore were chosen for being great school community role models, consistently working hard and demonstrating respectful behaviours with great attitudes.

Kilparrin Teaching and Assessment School is another school where I gave awards which is dedicated to students with sensory impairment and additional disabilities. It prides itself on developing each student to be their best. Two of the outstanding students are Allira Prosser and James Sweet, nominated because of their determination to expand their learning and a willingness to work with their carers, teachers, physios and OTs to overcome obstacles. They definitely persevere, and I will be very pleased to be hosting them and their caregivers and friends tomorrow for a tour of Parliament House and afternoon tea.

Lastly, Marion Primary School is a school aimed to develop independent thinkers for the future with values of caring, community and respect. The two students nominated were Naomi Lea and Isaac Johnson for being proactive and dedicated students working to build an inclusive school community involved in organising school activities and sporting events and also being members of the Student Representative Council.

Thank you to all the staff, parents, carers and volunteers who contribute to all the wonderful schools in the electorate of Elder. To the students named here today, I congratulate you all and encourage you to continue to always be your best.