Hundreds of Victorian teachers, principals, school administrators and policymakers are being recognised for their long-serving dedication to students and families through the Recognition of Service to Victorian Education program.
Minister for Education James Merlino today congratulated 342 staff across the state being honoured for more than 40 years of service each to Victorian education, acknowledging their dedication, hard work and persistence over many decades – and particularly their resilience and support for their school communities during the pandemic.
Teachers receiving recognition include Sandringham East Primary School teacher Sheila Pfeffer, who has 55 years’ experience as a teacher – one of the longest-serving school staff members in the state.
A total of 174 teachers and staff are being recognised for 40 years of service, 119 staff for 45 years of service, 40 staff for 50 years of service, and nine staff for 55 years of service.
Some schools boast a number of long-serving staff members – including Bendigo Senior Secondary College with three 40-year, one 45-year and one 50-year recipient, and Colac Secondary College with one 40-year, one 50-year and one 55-year recipient.
Strathmore Secondary Colllege has one 40-year, two 45-year and one 50-year recipient, McKinnon Secondary College has three 40-year recipients – and Mount Waverley Secondary College has two 50-year recipients.
While coronavirus restrictions have made it impossible to hold a ceremony to recognise the service of these long-serving staff members, recipients will receive a personalised Certificate of Recognition and a commemorative booklet.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“These teachers and school staff members have given so many years to delivering fantastic education to Victorian students – and I know all Victorians are with me when we thank them for their decades of dedication.”
“Whether they work in the classroom or in an office supporting schools, everyone receiving recognition for their service to Victorian education has made a huge contribution to our Education State.”
Reviewed 10 September 2021