At the heart of St Nicholas lies a commitment to compassion, hope, integrity, justice and participation. The recipients of these awards exemplify these principles, reflecting the very essence of what makes St Nicholas a beacon of excellence in education and community service.
Our winners
Hope: Innovation Excellence – Margaret Clappison (St Nicholas OOSH Forster)
“Marg is a beacon of creativity and inspiration within the OOSH environment. Each day she brings new, imaginative ideas to life, enriching the children’s experiences through hands-on, engaging projects. Her handmade creations, such as sensory cushions, themed pillows, and a cubby-house tent, demonstrate her dedication and talent. Marg’s passion for fostering learning through creativity transforms the environment into a vibrant, welcoming space where children thrive. Her enthusiasm, kindness, and innovative spirit make her an invaluable member of the St Nicholas team and a true example of commitment to quality care and education.”
Compassion: Programming Excellence – Jamie-Louise Grant (St Nicholas Early Education Medowie)
“Jamie has shown exceptional leadership and initiative in enhancing St Nicholas Early Education Medowie’s cultural responsiveness and overall programming quality. She has built authentic connections with the Worimi community, embedding meaningful Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum and advocating for respectful language and representation. As Educational Leader, Jamie mentors educators with empathy and purpose, recognising each individual’s strengths and supporting their growth. Her work consistently reflects St Nicholas’ values of compassion, hope, and integrity, and she leads by example through reflection, innovation, and collaboration. Jamie’s passion for inclusion, continuous improvement, and authentic community partnerships makes her an outstanding role model and a driving force for excellence at Medowie.”
Integrity: Leadership Excellence – Kristy Watson (St Nicholas Early Education Muswellbrook)
“Kristy has gone above and beyond in her role at Muswellbrook, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication during a challenging year. She has taken on additional responsibilities with professionalism and care, often working long hours to ensure the smooth running of the service. Kristy supports her colleagues with compassion, fairness, and integrity, and families consistently express their appreciation for her approachable nature and commitment to their children. She is confident in addressing challenges, resolving concerns, and leading by example. Her strong relationships with educators, families, and children reflect her genuine passion for early education. Kristy’s tireless efforts, calm leadership, and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable part of the St Nicholas Muswellbrook team.”
Justice: Advancing Inclusion – St Nicholas Early Education Raymond Terrace
“St Nicholas Early Education Raymond Terrace currently has three active Strategic Inclusion Plans (SIPs) that promote inclusion and support for all children. These plans have been developed in close collaboration with educators, families, therapists, and the KU Inclusion Professional. Throughout the year, the team has undertaken a critical reflection project focused on inclusion to identify what education and support families and educators require, and how best to assist with early intervention. The service works closely with several early intervention therapists who visit weekly or fortnightly, building strong partnerships that ensure every child receives consistent, tailored support. Together with families, the team has developed a range of Additional Needs Support Action Plans, reflecting their ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and high-quality outcomes for every child in their care.”
Participation: Support Excellence – Kim Kemp (St Nicholas Early Education Lochinvar)
“Kim is a warm and familiar presence who greets every family with kindness and care. She goes above and beyond her role as chef, engaging with children in cooking experiences, teaching them about nutrition, and building meaningful connections with families. Kim’s food not only meets the highest nutritional standards but is prepared with love and creativity. Her willingness to step in and support educators whenever needed reflects her teamwork and dedication. Always cheerful and dependable, Kim contributes greatly to the positive atmosphere of the centre and is loved by children, families, and colleagues alike.”
Family and Community Partnership Excellence – St Nicholas Early Education Medowie
“St Nicholas Early Education Medowie is dedicated to building strong, authentic partnerships with families and the local community. The team takes time to understand each family, creating a warm and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Families regularly engage with educators for advice and collaboration, reflecting the trust and open communication built over time. This year, the team strengthened these connections through initiatives such as transition-to-school information sessions with local primary schools and partnerships with therapists to support children’s needs. Their respectful approach, commitment to inclusion, and ongoing collaboration with families demonstrate the St Nicholas values of participation and compassion, ensuring every child feels supported both at home and within the service.”
Leader of the Year: Early Education – Alexandria Stafford (St Nicholas Early Education Singleton)
“Alex has transformed the culture at Singleton into a positive, collaborative, and welcoming environment. Her leadership inspires educators, recognises their strengths, and empowers them to grow. She leads by example, frequently stepping onto the floor to support her team and build strong relationships with children and families. Under Alex’s guidance, staff morale and occupancy have both significantly improved, with families regularly providing glowing feedback about her care and professionalism. Her leadership extends beyond her own centre, providing guidance and support to neighbouring services when needed. Alex embodies the values of integrity, compassion, and teamwork and is widely respected by her colleagues and families alike. Her ability to uplift, connect, and lead with authenticity makes her an exceptional ambassador for St Nicholas.”
Note: Alexandria Stafford was on maternity leave at the time this award was presented.
Leader of the Year: OOSH – Aimee Lyle (St Nicholas OOSH Gateshead)
“Aimee is a passionate, dedicated, and inspiring leader at Gateshead OOSH. She demonstrates maturity and professionalism well beyond her years. Aimee’s programming is entirely child-led, intentional, and meaningful, reflecting her deep respect for every child. She has strengthened relationships with families and the school community, recently developing a collaborative video to showcase the service to new families. Aimee constantly reflects, researches, and advocates for children who need extra support, ensuring inclusion and belonging for all. Her kindness, drive, and strong sense of purpose make her an exceptional leader and an outstanding representative of St Nicholas OOSH.”
School-Based Trainee of the Year – Tayla Eden (St Nicholas Early Education Branxton)
“Tayla has demonstrated remarkable growth and confidence throughout her training at Branxton. She has developed strong relationships with the children and shows natural leadership qualities beyond her experience level. Tayla approaches her studies with commitment and applies her learning thoughtfully in practice. She is receptive to feedback, uses it to strengthen her skills, and is consistently proactive in supporting her team. Her professionalism, calm presence, and genuine care for the children shine through in everything she does. Tayla’s ability to form deep, trusting connections with children and colleagues alike makes her a valued and respected member of the team, and her future in early education is bright.”
Trainee of the Year – Ashlie Stapleton (St Nicholas Early Education Medowie)
“Ashlie is an outstanding trainee whose professionalism and maturity far exceed her experience. She has formed beautiful, trusting relationships with children and families, and it is not uncommon for families to request her specifically. Children feel safe and supported in her presence, and her genuine warmth shines through in every interaction. Ashlie shows initiative and passion for early education, often anticipating what needs to be done before being asked. She consistently seeks feedback, reflects on her practice, and implements new ideas to enhance the learning environment. Her setups are engaging and tailored to children’s interests, and she adapts her approach to meet each child’s needs. Calm, patient, and dedicated, Ashlie exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional educator and has enormous potential to excel as she continues her studies.”
Integrity: Leadership Excellence – Ellen Shaw (Support Office)
“Ellen has embraced her new role with enthusiasm and determination, setting clear expectations and providing strong, ongoing support to OOSH services. She has been instrumental in developing consistent procedures across all services and ensuring a smooth vacation care process. Ellen also provides valuable training and guidance to new Area Service Managers, sharing her knowledge and experience to help them succeed. Her passion for her work and genuine commitment to excellence are evident in everything she does. Ellen consistently goes above and beyond to support her teams and ensure high-quality outcomes for children, families, and educators across St Nicholas OOSH.”
Participation: Team Player – Nerida Dial (Support Office)
“Nerida is exceptionally organised, hardworking, and dependable. She brings a positive energy to the Support Office team and is always willing to assist with any task, no matter how big or small. Her professionalism and cheerful attitude make her a pleasure to work with, and she consistently goes above and beyond to support her colleagues. Nerida’s reliability, attention to detail, and proactive approach ensure that every project she contributes to runs smoothly. She is an invaluable member of the team whose dedication and positivity make a lasting impact every day.”
These awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also recognise the collective dedication of our community. St Nicholas is more than an educational institution; it is a community that thrives on the principles of compassion, hope, integrity, justice and participation. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each winner and express our gratitude for their invaluable contributions.
