NEWS DESK
Kinder teacher wins big
Happy days: Banyan Fields Kindergarten teacher Nicole Bechaz was rapt to be recognised as Teacher of the year at the Victorian Early Years Awards. Picture: Supplied
BANYAN Fields teacher Nicole Bechaz has been recognised as Teacher of the Year awards at the Victorian Early Years Awards. The award ceremony is run by the state government Education and Training department. Mrs Bechaz said she was “overwhelmed” to receive the accolade. “There was such a high calibre of people in the room. To be recognised for the work that we’re doing with children and within the local community is a huge achievement,” she said. The Banyan Fields kindergarten teacher received the award for demonstrating innovation and exemplary practice in early childhood education. One of the initiative that earned Mrs Bechaz the award was the speech program to help children who attend the kinder, particularly those with additional needs. “The ‘Let’s Chat’ Oral Language Program has been instrumental in increasing parents skills and knowledge around the importance of early reading,” Mrs Bechaz said. Mrs Bechaz will receive a $10,000 grant to be spent on professional development. “I plan spend the grant money attending an international conference with a colleague in Canada led by Dr Bruce Perry, a leading expert in trauma and the effects on neurological development,” she said. Banyan Fields comes under the umbrella of the Community Kinders Plus organisation. Their CEO Jane Spencer said “Nicole is an exceptional teacher and an inspirational leader. This is the third year that CKP has had one of their early childhood teachers awarded the Victorian Teacher of the Year. I’m so pleased Nicole has been recognised for her incredible work and what she brings to early childhood education.”
Funds granted for sports clubs TWO local sporting clubs have had their applications for federal funding given the thumbs up, and will each receive $18,000 through the Stronger Communities Program. Mordialloc-Braeside Junior Football Club was successful in applying for the grant, as was the Parkdale Cricket Club. Mordialloc-Braeside will put their money towards a new canteen, while Parkdale will use theirs for tables, chairs, shelving, and kitchen equipment. “This $18,000 grant through the Stronger Communities Program to refurbish the Mordialloc-Braeside Junior Football Club’s canteen will be of great benefit to our local sport-
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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
28 November 2018
ing communities,” Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus said. “I was very happy to go into bat for this great local footy club and help it get this grant. “It’s also nearly time to pull up stumps on construction at the Gerry Green Reserve Pavilion and this grant will give the Parkdale Cricket Club some extra cover to furnish the pavilion for its summer season. “I am constantly bowled over by the commitment and hard work of members of the Parkdale Cricket Club. Cricketers make very compelling appeals and I’m just happy to be able to do my bit to support the Parkdale Cricket Club.” Sports splash: Mark Dreyfus MP visited Mordialloc-Braeside footy club to announce a grant. Picture: Supplied