He is like our very own walking Mr Google he knows everything
- Walcha Central School Norta Norta student
A teacher at Walcha Central School has been awarded a certificate of appreciation for his support and dedication to Aboriginal education.
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The award was presented to Michael Heazlett during the recent Education Week and Naidoc celebrations at the school. Mr Heazlett has been the school’s Norta Norta tutor for the past four years.
Norta Norta provides targeted individual support for Aboriginal students to accelerate progress in student achievement with the focus to provide learning assistance in the critical areas of literacy and numeracy.At Walcha Central School there are about 60 Aboriginal students eligible to be part of the program, with 30 participating.
“Michael has played a major role in the education of the Aboriginal students here at Walcha Central School,” said relieving Aboriginal Education Officer Karen Bloomfield.
“Not only has Michael assisted teachers in the classroom, but he also offers one on one support to students who need help with their studies. He has done many wonderful things, and this is reflected in what his students say about him.”
“Students have said that Mr Heazlett, or Mr H as he is better known to them, is like our very own walking encyclopaedia, or in today’s world Mr Google,” said Ms Bloomfield.
“They say he is always up for a chat and usually spends his recess and lunch doing so, as well as having the odd game of chess.”
Originally from Walcha Mr Heazlett moved back to the area five years ago after teaching at Mendooran Central School in central west NSW. He says he was surprised by the award and finds the role very satisfying.
“The nomination touches me,” he said.
“I have been working for the last four years as the Norta Norta tutor, and there is always something new to learn. It is a very rewarding job, especially since I get to know the students on a one to one basis and watch them develop and grow.”
The learning is a two-way process according to Mr Heazlett who is impressed with the Aboriginal culture he has come to understand better.
“I think people would be surprised at how sophisticated Aboriginal culture is,” he said.
“They are a very handy community, and it is amazing what they can achieve with very little resource.”
Vanessa Arundale
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
