ROCKINGHAM Senior High School has won the WA School Services Staff Member of the Year at the WA Education Awards.
After working as a journalist for many years, wordsmith Michelle Dirksz took her love of human interest stories to school.
As student support co-ordinator at Rockingham Senior High School, Ms Dirksz loves speaking with people and discovering what makes them tick.
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READ NOWAs a key part of the school’s student services team and a qualified counsellor, she supports students and mentors fellow staff so they too can better meet the needs of students.
Principal Stan Koios nominated Mrs Dirksz for the WA School Service Staff Member of the Year category.
“Michelle is a dedicated, invaluable member of our Student Services team,” he said.
“She consistently puts the needs of our students above everything else, starting work early and finishing later in order to always be available for students and staff.
“Michelle has implemented several new initiatives into Student Services, including small groups working on targeted areas, such as resilience, mental health, positive relationships, cybersafety, attendance and hygiene.
“She visits classes, organises focus weeks every term for students such as Friendship Week, Mental Health Week, Careers Week and Multicultural Week, which includes activities and external agencies coming in to deliver key messages.
“Through Michelle’s support and encouragement of our student leaders, we have raised over $8000 for Make a Wish.”
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said it was a privilege to acknowledge outstanding teachers, leaders and school support staff who provide a high quality public education to students.
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