The director of the NSW Department of Education’s School Leadership Institute, Joanne Jarvis, has been awarded the prestigious Dr Paul Brock Memorial Medal at the 2024 ACEL (Australian Council for Educational Leaders) NSW Awards.

The medal is awarded annually to a prominent educational leader who has significantly impacted educational direction and achievement.

Ms Jarvis, the former principal of Engadine High School, paid tribute to two long-term mentors in accepting the award at a ceremony late last month.

“Judy King and Larissa Treskin - history warriors, mentors, feminists, leaders and now dear friends … have had a huge influence on me and countless others,” she said.

Ms Jarvis said public education enabled equality and opportunity for all young people.

“I believe public education is for everyone. And an equitable public education system is relevant to everyone,” she said.

“I have never wavered from this calling and the joy of fostering a love of learning to help fulfill each student’s potential. If we want our students to love learning, we must love it too.”

James Meehan High School’s senior leadership team was one of five recipients of the NSW Team Leadership Award, while Cherrybrook High School maths teacher Eddie Woo was presented with the Traditional and Social Media Award.

Helena Walker was one of three recipients of the Mary Armstrong Award for Early Career Teacher Leadership, while Carley Bugeja, Bianca Howarth, Tom Moth, Tracy Anderson and Lisa Stipanovic received Leadership Awards.

The ACEL NSW Awards honour school leaders who, in the view of their colleagues, have made a significant contribution to the understanding and practices of the teaching profession and educational leadership.