News & Events

Celebrating our Hard Working Teachers

08.09.08

Congratulations to maths and science teacher Helen Silvester, who was presented with a Hardest Working Award at the recent Hocking Stuart Community Awards.

As co-ordinator of the Year 9 challenge program and the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Mentone Girls' Grammar, Helen has gone above and beyond the call of duty. She has personally planted over 10,000 trees for the school's foreshore re-vegetation project, and volunteers at Corben House and Yarrabah Special School with students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh program.

The inaugural Hocking Stuart BSM Community Connections Awards were attended by more than 90 guests from local community groups and organisations in the Bayside area to celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals in the community.

To celebrate these individuals, Hocking Stuart asked each community organisation to nominate one special individual or group of people to receive a trophy featuring a clock to represent the valuable time that they have put in to their group.

"These awards are a tribute to our community groups and to those individuals in our community who work tirelessly to help others achieve their goals. Their efforts do not go unnoticed" said Peter Kennett, Director of Hocking Stuart Brighton.

Principal Fran Reddan who represented the School on the night said it was wonderful to be able to acknowledge all teachers who work incredibly hard and make an outstanding contribution to the community.

"Helen has been the linchpin of our Duke of Edinburgh program which helps young people reach their full potential through a program of voluntary activities that encourage enterprise, personal growth and a strong sense of social responsibility. Helen has been working with the students who volunteer around the community in nursing homes, special schools and on a range of environmental projects. She is a wonderful teacher, mentor and mum of four! On behalf of the entire school community I thank her for her energy and dedication and congratulate her on winning this award which is so richly deserved."