Newtown principal among the best

Educators in Newtown and Dulwich Hill were recognised for their dedication and commitment at this year’s state-wide education awards.
The NSW Department of Education and Communities has presented the Principal of Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, Stephen Gray, with the Director General’s Award for Excellent Services to Public Education.
Presented on December 14, the awards highlighted 45 individuals who displayed a “commitment to excellence” in the NSW education system.
Mr Gray said the award reflected the joint efforts of the students and the teachers.
“It’s an obvious reflection of what the school has achieved in the last six years … I don’t really see it as an individual thing but more as a collective achievement,” he said.
Since Mr Gray was appointed principal in 2005, school enrolment applications have more than doubled and the school’s curriculum has grown to include additional arts-based courses and links with TAFE NSW.
The economics and geography teacher admits he enjoys the new group of students that come through every year.
“The good thing about school is that each year there’s a new group of people. It’s exciting because you get to see students grow and develop into solid performers,” he said.
The Director-General of the Department of Education, Dr Michele Bruniges said: “Stephen and other winners of these awards are brilliant examples of the dedication of staff who work in and with schools in this state.”
“His work undoubtedly meets the definitive criterion for the Award- that the recipient’s service to public education and training be ‘outstanding’,” she said.
Mr Gray said he will continue his work next year in the school’s three-year plan to expand the idea of creativity across all elements of the school.
A teacher from Dulwich High School of Visual Arts and Design, Marika Katsianis-Cassar, was also a recipient of the award.
She was recognised for her work in supporting students with special education needs such as maximising their abilities to complete assignments, sit for tests, participate in practical lessons, play sport and attend excursions and camps.
The recipients were nominated from within the ranks of teachers in primary and secondary public schools, TAFE NSW, principals, regional or state office curriculum consultants, administrators, parents and community volunteers.
“It is these individuals’ dedication and commitment that makes our education system world-class,” Dr Bruniges said.