Winners of QSuper's Thank You Project revealed
25 October 2019
5
min read
QSuper’s Thank You Project has unveiled the amazing contributions teachers are making to their students’ lives as well as the communities surrounding them. As part of World Teachers’ Day in Queensland, we are proud to share the competition winners.
Teachers and educators were invited to tell us: what has been your proudest moment as a teacher?
We were inundated with hundreds of inspiring and emotional responses from across Queensland, highlighting the passion and pride our teachers have in their roles, and the willingness to go above and beyond to support their students.
Our panel found it very difficult to choose just seven winners, and we thank everyone who entered the competition. Congratulations to the below winners:
Far North Queensland - Leanne Fox from Northern Peninsula Area State College
“When a student I had nurtured from a remote Aboriginal community school to university was named Young Australian of the Year.”
North Queensland - Demelza Gardem from North Shore State School
“Realising that a parent couldn't read and teaching her along with her prep daughter how to read. Breaking the illiteracy cycle.”
Central Queensland - Melissa McKewen from Koumala State School
“My teacher aide and I designed and had manufactured a specialised, adjustable, magnetic whiteboard desk for my student who has Spina Bifida.”
North Coast - Kim Fillery from Peachester State School
“Attending the medical graduation of a favourite Year 7 ASD student who told me I was the reason he was alive and now a doctor.”
Metropolitan - Constance Hamer from Newmarket State School
“End of year, crying, a girl handed me a gift of used soap: ‘Thank you. My family now has books … even Dad is reading.’.”
Darling Downs South West - Pat Wysel from Toowoomba Anglican School
“A severely autistic boy presenting an assessment speech in front of his peers (with difficulty) and the whole class gave him a spontaneous standing ovation.”
South East - Gabrielle Marotte from TAFE Queensland
“The excitement on my (long-term unemployed) student’s face when she told me she had received a job at a fantastic company after studying with us.”
Each winning entrant will receive a $1,500 prize pack for their school and a $100 voucher for themselves.
The competition encompassed teachers and educators from all education institutions within the state, both public and private.1
QSuper has been proudly supporting the retirement goals of Queensland teachers for more than 100 years, giving them the confidence to concentrate on their profession knowing their financial future is in safe hands.
The Thank You Project is just one way for us to show our support for the teachers and behind-the-scenes staff who devote their time to improving the education and future opportunities of Queenslanders.
1. View full Terms and Conditions (pdf) for the competition.