Sydney Catholic Schools has so many great teachers. One has been recognised at a national level.

Helen Elliott, a Sydney Catholic Schools’ teacher lauded for her extraordinary ability to lead by example, has been named a finalist in the Australian Education Awards 2020, in the category of Primary Principal of the Year – Non-government.

“It’s very humbling and rewarding to be recognised in this way,” All Hallows Catholic Primary School Five Dock principal Helen Elliott said.

Mrs Elliott has worked for the Sydney Catholic school system for more than 40 years, 11 of them as a principal.

She was nominated for the top accolade by All Hallows’ acting assistant principal, Christine Torresan, who wasn’t at all surprised when her colleague of five years made the cut.

Principal Helen Elliott teaching Year 5 religion.

Why Mrs Elliott is a cut above the rest

“Her first response when I told her she’d been selected was to say, ‘It’s not just me. I’m part of a team’. That’s how modest she is,” Ms Torresan said with a laugh.

“She’s an exceptional leader who supports teachers both in their wellbeing and professionally,” Ms Torresan continued.

“Her leadership allowed me to get my Highly Accomplished accreditation.

“She also encourages us to coach and mentor each other and puts herself in the position of receiving feedback on her classroom teaching. At one stage even a prac (pre-service) teacher gave her feedback on her teaching!”

“She’s an exceptional leader who supports teachers both in their wellbeing and professionally” – Christine Torresan

An admittedly shy person, Mrs Elliott said “growing people” gave her immense satisfaction.

“Anything I do is guided by how I can make the children happy, to ensure that they’re engaged in their learning …