The Department for Education has awarded its 25,000th recognition certificate to employees who have reached a 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50-year milestone serving public education.
The Department said the career milestones of more than 260 employees with the 30, 40 or 50 years of service had been acknowledged at an event at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Minister for Education, John Gardner and Chief Executive of the Department for Education, Rick Persse presented the President of the Preschool Directors Association, Ann Millhouse with her certificate as the 25,000th recipient to receive recognition since the Department introduced the certificates in 2016.
Mr Gardner said Mrs Millhouse’s 40-year career had taken her to a constellation of preschools as an educator and director where she had helped thousands of children gain a strong start in education.
“It is fitting that Ann will receive the 25,000th recognition certificate as she embodies many of the best qualities of the public education system,” Mr Gardner said.
“Thousands of children have benefitted from her work across the profession advising and supporting the Department to implement positive system-wide approaches to early years’ education,” he said.
“She has dedicated her life to the children of South Australia and I know I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that we are enormously grateful for her wonderful service.”
Mr Persse said that in total, 30 employees were recognised for 50 years of service, 139 for 40 years of service and 92 for 30 years of service.
“They have made a significant contribution to our State and its people and I am proud to thank them on behalf of the department and all South Australians,” Mr Persse said.
