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Montville teacher earns award for tsunami appeal |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 15 November 2005 |
On World Teachers' Day Montville State School's Chris Hay was
honoured for his commitment to the profession. The popular teacher won
a Community Merit Award from The Australian Scholarships Group (ASG).
The awards are granted to select teachers who demonstrate initiative,
concern and creativity in linking their school to the community.
| Chris Hay ... "Montville State School is pretty
much the whole package really." |
Chris has been at the school three years and was nominated by the Montville P&C becauseof his tireless work to bring thecommunity together to raisemoney for a school in Sri Lanka that was devastated by the Boxing Day Tsunami. Chris said working at Montville State School was very rewarding.
"The school setting and the support you receive makes it an awesome place for learning,'' he said. "The kids are fantastic, the parents are supportive and we have a good, close staff. "Parents are always giving you a pat on the back for the things you do. They are a very positive and optimistic crew.
"Their attitude creates an environment which rubs off on the kids and that makes teaching easier. Because it's a small school you get to know the kids on a more personal level.
"Montville State School is pretty much the whole package really."
Member for Parliament Peter Slipper presented Chris with his award a fortnight ago. Only 100 teachers Australiawide receive an award. Of those, 12 will be selected to win $5000 for their school.
The year four and five teacher was in Indonesia on his honeymoon when the tsunami hit. He and his wife returned to Australia unharmed but determined to do something to help.
That something grew from an idea to have a charity soccer match into a community event that raised over $7000 and involved Montville families in a massive service project. Chris spent countless hours organising sponsors. More than 60 local businesses - which comprises about 75 percent of the community - participated either on soccer teams or through donations of money or prizes.
He also designed and printed the 16 page commemorative program, organised a game format that squeezed in three divisions, including 22 teams of children and adults.
Chris's efforts resulted in an event that brought the community together in a way many had never experienced before. Students had to raise their own money to meet their team pledges.
Through meeting a local aid worker who had been in Sri Lanka, their understanding of the situation and what they could do to help was made very clear. By organising a whole community event, Chris brought a diverse community together to have fun, nurture community relations and provide real relief to school children in need.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 04 September 2006 )
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Range News 2005 - ON 
