Santa Clara Primary School entered the CEWA LEAD Awards for Excellence last year for two reasons – to recognise the efforts of staff in creating their Core Values program, and to share it with the wider community in the hope that other schools might benefit. 

“We entered the LEAD Awards as we felt we had created something unique and essential for our students,” Curriculum Leader Kristy Madafferi said. 

Santa Clara won one of two $4000 prizes in the Accountability category for the Core Values program, which was developed in response to the discovery that many students lacked resilience and problem-solving skills. 

Embedded in learning across the school, Santa Clara introduced five relatable characters who embodied the school’s core values: Resilient Ricky; Creative Christina; Truthful Thomas; Courageous Courtney; and Caring Cameron. 

“At Santa Clara we pride ourselves on working as part of a team so when it was announced that we had won, we felt a great sense of accomplishment,” Ms Madafferi said. 

“Winning the award affirmed the staff’s hard work in creating a program that would benefit our students.” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGIGX9yZp4o

The school used its prize money to add to teacher resource packs and create a resource section in the school library with a range of books for each core value available to staff.  

Personalised stickers and two sets of core value dolls were also designed and made. 

One year on, teachers have noticed a significant development in students’ ability to use the language of the Core Values program in their everyday lives. 

“When the students have faced challenges, they have drawn on the Core Values program to guide them to the skills that require to overcome difficulties,” Ms Madafferi said. 

“We would highly recommend other schools to enter the LEAD Awards, it is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the amazing work that your school is doing within Catholic education.”  

Entries for the CEWA’s LEAD Awards for Excellence 2019 close on Friday, 5 July. Enter online at awards.cewa.edu.au. 

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