Torrens Electorate School Awards

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (15:30): In December last year, I had the pleasure of attending many celebrations in the electorate of Torrens. Many of those were at schools, and I believe it is really important to work closely with our schools to ensure that they are supported in the work they do. I present a number of awards and would like to recognise today some of the students who received Torrens School Spirit Awards, Innovation Awards and STEM Awards.

From Hillcrest Primary School, Percy Logan received the 2019 School Spirit Award. He was nominated by his peers for being a kind, honest and trustworthy student who consistently displays the Hillcrest values. Logan has been described as always ensuring that students are treated with respect and dignity. If someone has not been treated nicely or does not have a voice, Logan will stand up for them. Last night, I also had the pleasure of attending the Hillcrest Primary School AGM, where we heard about the high achievements of the students who attend that school.

Lily Stewart was awarded the Vale Park 2019 School Spirit Award for making a significant contribution to the culture of Vale Park Primary School. In class, Lily has been known to regularly help her classmates who are finding learning a challenge in a way that is kind, helpful and inclusive. During her time at Vale Park, Lily has always participated fully in school life. She has been a member of many sporting teams and has been selected for SAPSASA events. She works in the school canteen and has assisted with the School Extravaganza.

Alfred Bropleh from Hampstead Primary School was nominated for the Torrens Spirit Award for reflecting the three values of Hampstead Primary: respect, care and personal growth. His teachers described him as a student who cares for others, demonstrates respect for all staff and students and uses his feedback to strive to do his best.

Raj Yadav was awarded the Klemzig Primary STEM Award. As a keen mathematician and persistent problem solver, his teachers told me that he is meticulous in checking calculations and is always open to new ways of thinking and problem solving. Raj is also a collaborative problem solver and enjoys working in teams. Most STEM projects require high-level team skills, and Raj has the necessary qualities to work successfully as a team member or leader.

Roma Mitchell Secondary College is just outside my electorate, but a lot of the students from my electorate attend there. They had their year 12 graduation at Bonython Hall, and I was pleased to be able to present the Torrens Innovation Award to Zhengmu Li.

I would also like to acknowledge Wiltja College students. Their boarding house is just outside my electorate—in fact, it falls in the member for Enfield's electorate now—but some of the students attend my local high school. It is a school for Indigenous secondary students from remote communities in South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. I would like to congratulate Leshaye Swan, Clifton Finlay and Isiah Bridley on reaching their wonderful milestone of completing year 12.

From Dernancourt R-7 School, year 7 students Jay and Twisha both received Aili Awards, and 2019 was the 30^th anniversary of the Aili Award. It is a perpetual trophy donated by Mr W. Finger as a memorial to his late wife, Aili, who was a much-loved teacher at the school. This trophy is presented to a student at Dernancourt School who displays qualities of excellence. Of course, this year it was to Jay and Twisha, so it was presented to two students.

I have to say that at the Dernancourt R-7 I saw many tears because the students were leaving the school. It was amazing. It was not the parents, it was the students; there were so many hugs and tears. They said they were happy to leave and to be going on to school but they were also very sad to be leaving the school they loved.

The Avenues College year 12 graduation at the Golden Grove Arts Theatre had many students with a special mention, including valedictorians CJ and Taynan, ATSI award winner Keleia, and Dux Samantha. Peer awards went to Taynan and Reagan, the sporting excellence award to Joshua, the Principal's Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement to Samantha and Taynan, the VET award to Kaylah, the Caltex All Rounder award to CJ, the Excellence in Music award to Jimmy, the Excellence in STEM to Calibre, the Excellence in Sports Education to Taynan again, the hospitality award to Matthew, the Principal's Award for Service to the School Community went to Rebecca and the Active Community Program award went to Colleen.

At Wandana Primary School, I was also pleased to be able to present students with their Premier's Reading Challenge medals and certificates at the end of the year. The program was initiated, of course, in 2004 by former Labor premier Mike Rann to encourage reading for enjoyment and to improve literacy levels.