Last year, when Mackenzie State Primary School students took to the stage to perform their whole-of-school musical ‘Once Upon a Time’, parents were left speechless.

Teacher Louisa Negrioski had worked with every student across every year level, during her lunch hours and after school, to develop “an unforgettable performance” in which children inspired their entire school community with their growth in self-confidence and self-esteem, and their performances on stage.

Louisa’s dedication to students is clearly visible in the classroom, with parents writing to the Queensland College of Teachers to praise her for her determination to see their children achieve and succeed.

One parent said Louisa had a “huge impact on her son”, making him feel important and special, “and encouraging him to be the best he could be”.

“The difference she has made to him, not only academically, but emotionally, is wonderful. She never gave up on my son,” the parent says.

Another parent, whose child has dyslexia, says Louisa had gone “above and beyond” to accommodate her child’s learning style.

“Her dedication and tireless planning and professional development have helped my daughter to improve with her grades, as well has her confidence,” the parent says.

A third parent talks of how her 11-year-old son moved from reading picture books to chapter books thanks to Louisa, who had taken his self-confidence and leadership skills to new levels.

Louisa uses technology and creative learning spaces to engage students. She also provides Film and Technology extra-curricular activities for students.

Mackenzie State Primary School principal Jonathan Gagen says Louisa has an extensive repertoire of strategies to effectively address the diverse needs of her students, based on engagement with research and work with colleagues, coaches and advisory teachers.

“While only in her third year of teaching, her continuing excellence in education, and the student, parent and carer engagement that she engenders, has earned Louisa broad respect from the entire school community,” Jonathan says.

“This is evidenced every day in her classroom, in the success of all of her students, and through her relationships with stakeholders,” he says. “Louisa’s optimism, her love for teaching and learning, and her absolute commitment to her students and their families, has made her an invaluable and highly regarded member of the entire school community.

Congratulations Louisa on your nomination for a QCT Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award.