By BRIDGET COOK
THE graduating class at St Peter’s College Cranbourne honoured one of their teachers for her passion and enthusiasm to education recently.
Teacher Tracey Alles was awarded the school’s 2013 Valedictorian Medal as part of the Graduating Class of 2013 Valedictory Dinner in October.
Principal Tim Hogan presented Ms Alles with the award and said it acknowledged excellence in teaching.
“Tracy has been at our school for the past seven years and has taught psychology, biology, year-seven to nine science and life science,” he said.
“She has also, alongside Anthony Beutelschiess, introduced the Certificate III Carbon Management Course, the first of its kind in Australia.
“Tracy Alles has great skill, enthusiasm and passion for teaching and it is through these attributes that she develops in students a love of learning and persistence to learn.
“She inspires them to be the best they can be and I congratulate her as the recipient of the Valedictorian Medal.”
When accepting her award, Ms Alles said she was shocked to have received it.
“I look over at those tables and see the most amazing teachers, who I admire and respect and who I think are so much more deserving, so I feel truly humbled to be the recipient of this award,” she said.
“It’s a wondrous feeling to be recognised and acknowledged for simply doing what it is you love. I adore my profession.
“Granted teaching is challenging and exhausting at the best of times, but I get to spend my days with the most incredible young people, who make me laugh constantly.
“So to my little ones… as I call them… I say thank you for all the lessons you’ve taught me, thank you for your faith in my abilities and thank you for all the beautiful memories you leave behind.”
