Primary Schools in South Australia are being encouraged to register for Aussie of the Month, a free program that recognises primary school students who demonstrate personal endeavour, achievement and contributions to their community.
Aussie of the Month is delivered by the National Australia Day Council, the same organisation responsible for the Australian of the Year Awards, and has grown to be one of Australia’s most valued, non-academic school recognition programs.
The program has already proven successful in Western Australia, with around 11,000 students being recognised each year, and is now available in South Australia.
The program recognises outstanding contribution to the school community and rewards students who display Australian values of a fair go, mateship, respect and inclusion.
Aussie of the Month runs from February to November each year, is easy for schools to implement and, most importantly, is accessible to regional and remote areas.
Children are recognised at a school assembly and are presented with an Aussie of the Month certificate, badge, pen set and bookmark.
Lenswood Primary School Principal Leah Kennewell said she is one of the first principals in South Australia to implement Aussie of the Month in her school and can already see the benefits of the program.
“The students have really engaged with Aussie of the Month and like how we’ve linked the program to our school values,” Ms Kennewell said.
“It is wonderful that we can publicly recognise students who demonstrate community spirit in our community, and we know that many students work hard to overcome personal challenges to be eligible for the award. I’d encourage every school to become part of this program.”
The National Australia Day Council has partnered with the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs to deliver the program.
Primary Schools can register for the Aussie of the Month Program at any time during the year by visiting the www.aussieofthemonth.org.au website.
