Educators in New South Wales, Western Australia, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory have been recognised in the Australia Day 2025 Honours List.
Ms Lauretta Claus, Director of Educational Leadership in the Canterbury Principals Network in NSW, and Dr Karen Read, Principal of Sevenoaks Senior College in WA, were each awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Both involved in sport at a high level, Ms Claus was recognised for significant service to international and national basketball as a statistician, and to education. Dr Read was recognised for significant service to cricket, and to secondary education.
Three educators were awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division. Former principal Ms Kathleen Guerin, currently Board Chair of Santa Sabina College in Strathfield, NSW, was recognised for service to Catholic secondary education.
Mr James Rodgers, former Deputy Principal at Saint Ignatius’ College in Riverview, NSW for 12 years, was awarded an OAM for service to primary and secondary education, and to cricket.
In Victoria, Ms Catherine Dillon, Board member of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority from 2015-2024, was awarded an OAM for service to youth, and to secondary education. She was Principal at Mount St Joseph Girls’ College from 2008-2015.
Three teachers were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions in the education sector with the Public Service Medal, which are included in the Meritorious Awards.
Ms Michelle Tregoning and Ms Janelle Lynes were recognised for outstanding public service to NSW in the delivery of mathematics education in public schools, and multicultural public education, respectively. Ms Jantiena Batt was recognised for outstanding public service in improving access and equity in education in the ACT.
NSW Department of Education Secretary Mr Murat Dizdar extended his congratulations to the NSW recipients.
“Each of these staff members are outstanding advocates for public education,” Mr Dizdar said.
“Nell [Janelle Lynes] has demonstrated unwavering commitment to, and advocacy for, equity for children and families who come from language backgrounds other than English, including newly arrived students and refugees.
“Michelle [Tregoning] has been pivotal in improving learning outcomes in mathematics and driving innovations in maths teaching.
“Lauretta [Claus] is not only an accomplished educator but a leading statistician for national and international basketball.
“These awards are a testament to their efforts in enriching the lives of students and advancing public education.”
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