Teachers from Altona District were among hundreds from across Victoria honoured this week for long-serving dedication to students and families, at the Recognition of Service to Victorian Education awards.

Member for Altona District Jill Hennessy congratulated those honoured for 40, 45 and 50 years of service to education at the awards, most of whom were teachers.

Many of those recognised would have found today’s classrooms almost unrecognisable when they started as graduates, with rows of desks, blackboards and chalk now replaced by flexible classrooms, interactive whiteboards and iPads.

The Recognition of Service awards are a chance to acknowledge dedication and hard work of the Department of Education and Training’s teachers and staff.

They included Anita Uschakov from Seabrook Primary School and Jane Smith from Carranballac P-9 College, who were both recognised for 45 years of service. William Wringe of Point Cook Senior Secondary College and Mary Simson from the Western Autistic School were also recognised for 40 years of service. A total of 264 teacher and staff were recognised for 40 years of service, 98 were recognised for 45 years of service and 21 were recognised for 50 years of service.

The Victorian Government is building the Education State so that every Victorian has the opportunity at a great education, no matter where they live or what their background.

The 2016-17 State Budget delivered an unprecedented $1.1 billion investment in school infrastructure, including a record $924 million for capital works and an extra $200 million for maintenance.

The Victorian Government has also provided $21.6 million to help all government school teachers implement the new Victorian Curriculum, which will help equip Victorian students for the jobs of tomorrow.

Quotes attributable to Member for Altona District Jill Hennessy

 “I want to thank all of our hard working Altona District teachers and education staff for the amazing work they do each and every day, and pay particular tribute to those recognised this week for their long-serving dedication to education excellence.”

 “The Victorian Government is building the Education State so that local teachers and principals have the support they need to focus on helping local students to be their best.”