Cranbourne Primary School captain Mitchell presents Nicole Carl with an Outstanding Parent Award certificate for her work at the school.By Sarah Schwager
A CRANBOURNE mother received a double surprise for Mother’s Day when she was named one of the best parents in Victoria by the Education Department.
Nicole Carl was told last week she had received the Southern Metropolitan Region Outstanding Parent Award as part of the 2006 Victorian Education Excellence Awards after working hard to raise funds at a local primary school.
On Monday she was presented with a certificate at the school at which her hard work had been based – Cranbourne Primary School.
“It was a total surprise,” Ms Carl said.
“I’ve had four children go through that school. I only did it so my children would benefit.”
Principal Garry Rolfe said Ms Carl had supported the school as a member of the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) for more than eight years – five of those as president.
“As a result of her leadership the PTA has raised $115,000 over the past five years,” Mr Rolfe said.
“These funds have directly enhanced the learning of our students by supplementing resources.”
The awards were announced at a ceremony at the Grand Hyatt last Thursday, with eight parents winning awards statewide.
Ms Carl said her husband and children were over the moon after they found out.
“The kids were so proud. They were beautiful, saying ‘mummy, you’re going to win’,” she said.
Ms Carl has a twin boy and girl in grade two and a son in grade five.
Her eldest son, aged 13, just started high school.
“I started on the PTA when he was in prep,” Ms Carl said.
She said she was happy with her work on the PTA, having helped set up a playground, but said it was important to get involved with her children’s education.
“My children enjoy school more because their parents are involved in it,” Ms Carl said.
“Also we live directly across from the school, so my kids benefit from the playground on the weekends as well,” she laughed.
