The Department of Education’s finalists can hold their heads high following the 2024 NSW Premier’s Awards, held at Parliament House on Monday, 18 November.

Tara Reynolds, Head Teacher Learning Design & Innovation at James Meehan High School in Macquarie Fields received an Honourable Mention for the Anthea Kerr Award which recognises future public sector leaders.

To counteract the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tara inspired her team to devise a groundbreaking curriculum that merged different disciplines resulting in more engaged students and better academic performance.

James Meehan High School received another Honourable Mention in the Connecting Communities category for its James Meehan Cup transition program.

Now in its fourth year, the initiative has seen a 50 per cent rise in enrolment thanks to an impressive increase in community involvement along with the highest growth in NAPLAN results in a decade.

A collaboration between the healthcare and education sectors also received an Honorary Mention in the World class education and training category for a pipeline program created to address predicted nurse shortages.

The Southwestern Sydney Local Health District worked with the department to establish health career pathways for high school students, providing them with vocational skills and practical experience which has resulted in a pool of young people who have the necessary skills and qualifications to work as an Assistant in Nursing.

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital School was nominated for its Excellence in service delivery for its overhaul of education delivery during short-term hospital stays. It is now looking towards its 20-kilometre Walkathon fundraiser on Friday 29 November.

RPA staff and supporters will pass 15 public schools throughout the inner west where staff and students will be ready to cheer on the walkers.

For more on the NSW Premier’s Awards including the winners on this page.