Teacher wins award

An Empire Bay Public School Year 5 teacher Ms Angie Eastwood has been selected as one of nine winners in the Day Made Better commercial sponsorship program.

Ms Eastwood was nominated by other teachers and selected from more than 100 nominees across Australia.

"Angie's teaching involves many students with specific learning and behavioural needs," said Mr Darren Steel, director of education for OfficeMax Australia, which sponsored the program.

"She has endeavoured to research and develop the best way to cater for the students with special needs.

"It was noted in her nomination that she had the ability to very quickly establish an outstanding rapport with her students.

"Her knowledge of what students are capable of means she will not accept anything less than their best.

"Angie has been battling breast cancer over the last 12 months and the manner in which she has fought the disease has been inspirational to the entire school community," he said.

While the award out of the blue for Ms Eastwood, she said she was pleased to be recognised in this way.

"I wasn't sure what was happening when everyone came into the classroom, including a photographer, but it was great once it all hit home," said Ms Eastwood.

"As teachers we just do the best that we can every day because we adore our students and are keen to make a difference.

"The outside recognition makes the job even more rewarding," she said.

Ms Eastwood was awarded $1000 worth of OfficeMax arts and crafts, stationery and office supplies for her school.

Media release, 2 Nov 2012

Chriss Mannix, Soda Communications