South Australian school students have been recognised in the 2022 Children’s Week Minister for Education Awards.
The awards recognise children who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in any endeavour including academic, community service, sport, arts and personal challenge.
Children’s Week aims to bring world-wide attention to the need to understand, appreciate and care about children.
The Children’s Week website has more information.
Award recipients – Primary School
Restorative Bench Student Committee – Elisa Groves, Ava Orlowski, Emily Pope, Woodville Primary School
The awards recognises the committee’s initiative and foresight in having an outdoor restorative bench installed at Woodville Primary School. The bench has the 5 restorative questions written on plaques and attached to the bench top as well as a QR code.
Payton Richardson, Dernancourt School
Payton’s award recognizes his volunteer work to support homeless and vulnerable people. Payton volunteers at Café Outside the Square on weekends and during the school holidays by supporting the chef in the café kitchen as well as the team in the Soup Kitchen. He raised $682 for the Soup Kitchen by cutting and colouring his hair “café green” and has also coordinated another fundraising activity at his school.
Honourable Mention
Bailey Jones, Oakbank School
Bailey was recognised for his leadership, mentoring and participation in extra-curricular activities. As well as maintaining a high academic level, Bailey has been a lead contributor to the Children’s University Program, hosted the Science Day assembly, contributed to the instrumental music program and excelled in a wide range of sports including karate, football, tennis and cricket. He was also the 2021 SAPSASA Under-10 Boys State Shot Put Champion and the SAPSASA Under-11 Boys State Shot Put Champion.
Hudson Rench, St John’s Grammar School, Belair
Hudson was recognised for his leadership, knowledge and dedication to the School TV programs. Hudson is always willing to support his peers with technology, and his expertise in filming, interviews, drone and stop motion, is frequently called upon by school leadership.
Award recipients – Secondary School
Melody Baldock, Berri Regional Secondary College
Melody is chairperson of the Berri Regional Secondary College Student Leadership Council, a Peer Support mentor, House Captain, a member of the Library Planning Committee and an active member of the Wellbeing Action Team. She is also a member of the inaugural SA SRC, a state-wide student representative body. In 2021 Melody led a team of students to victory at the Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) Riverland Drone Challenge, where students were immersed in the emerging innovative technologies being used in the agricultural industry.
Sharifullah Sharifullah (Habibi), Salisbury East High School
The award is in recognition of Sharif Habibi’s leadership within the school and wider community including YMCA Youth Parliament, as presiding officer in 2021 and government whip in 2022; Child Wise Youth Advisory Group; Youth Environment Council of South Australia; Salisbury Youth Council. He is also a School Captain and an active mentor. His youth work includes supporting mental health and homelessness and environmental issues. Sharif won the 2022 Steadfast Young Leadership Landcare Award (South Australia) and was a national finalist. He was also awarded the 2022 Australia Day Salisbury Council Mayor Commendation Award.
Honourable Mention
Brodie Mattin, Ocean View College
Brodie’s award recognises his voluntary participation in a range of The Smith Family programs which have assisted to guide, shape and support his current and future educational aspirations. Programs include mathematics and literacy enhancement, successful transition to secondary school and a work inspiration career pathway program. Brodie is also participating in a coxswain course which will qualify him to command and operate the engines of a vessel less than 12 metres long.
Lani Pollard, Aberfoyle Park High School
Lani’s award recognises of her leadership within the school and wider community. Lani has volunteered as a support person in The Smith Family Passports to Success school transition program, participated in the University of Adelaide Inspiring Women in STEM program and is a member of the Onkaparinga Youth Committee. She also has a strong interest in climate change and has written to the local MP and spoken at school assemblies encouraging people to take action.
