By Jena Carr
A Nelson Park School principal has taken out the Outstanding Specialist School Principal Award for her dedication to educating students with a disability.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll awarded Libby Gatgens the Principal’s Association of Specialist Schools (PASS) Awards at the Marvel Stadium on Friday, November 17.
Ms Gatgens said she was “grateful and thrilled to accept the award” that recognised her 36-year career in special education.
“Our kids and community are wonderful and it’s just that recognition of the work that we do…and I see us as being a leader and being recognised for that,” she said.
“My favourite part (about being a principal) is that I get to see the kids absolutely flourish and achieve amazing things in the time that they’re at school with us.”
Ms Gatgens said she never did “anything in isolation” as she was a team player with her staff and community and loved to “come to work every day”.
“I do see the role as being vital and fundamental to the success of the school because it’s a way that you collaboratively work with your community,” she said.
“Nelson Park is an amazing environment. I think that my staff to do amazing work and they are just so committed to their work. So, I think I’m really lucky.”
Mr Carroll said every child deserved the best education and was proud to help support the region’s specialist schools to deliver support and education to every student.
“These schools are the backbone of their communities and continue to transform many lives,” he said.
“I congratulate all the PASS Awards winners and nominees for their outstanding efforts in supporting the education of students with disability.”
