Since moving to ACG Strathallan, Isabella Jaggs has clearly found her fit.

As one of the Primary Pride in Achievement award recipients, the Year 5 student is positive, enthusiastic, and always goes the extra mile to achieve her best.

“It was hard to come from a little country school to such a big school, but I’ve made some nice new friends, and I love my class,” says Isabella. “What I enjoy most about ACG Strathallan is learning and meeting new people.

“Art is my favourite, favourite subject, as I get to be creative, which I love. I also like learning new things in English class. And I like maths because my big brother is really good at maths and I want to be as good as him.”

Discovering she’d earned a prestigious Pride in Achievement award was a definite bright spot during lockdown learning.

“I was super excited and just amazed when I found out. I know mummy and daddy were over the moon as they kept telling me how well I’d done and how proud they were of me.”

It’s little wonder. Strathallan's Pride in Achievement awards are held in very high regard as they not only showcase personal achievement but illustrate how students personify the school’s values of pride, integrity, respect and compassion.

Primary School Principal Kristie Thomas explains, “These awards reflect our vision which is to bring out the best in every student by inspiring and supporting them to learn and develop their unique abilities. The awards recognise and celebrate students’ individual achievements along with the way they demonstrate our school values.”

Not only that, but they encourage students to immerse themselves wholeheartedly in all that they do.

“It’s important that we reward the effort students put in, and Pride in Achievement awards give us an opportunity to do that. A child’s primary years should be spent experiencing a wide range of subjects, sports and arts with confidence and enthusiasm. They are then able to discover their talents and passions. It’s important that students do not feel that they have to be the best at everything, but they must be encouraged to try their best.”

For Term 3, a total of 18 students from Years 0 to 6 received a Primary Pride in Achievement award, and many more were nominated.

“Teachers nominate students who display a joy of learning and participate and contribute willingly in their studies. We are very proud of all of our students who are nominated each term and celebrate their efforts and achievements within our special Pride in Achievement assemblies.”

For Year 4 student Leeya Naidoo, receiving the award came as a huge thrill.

“I was really excited and filled with joy,” says Leeya. “Pride in Achievement is an important award, and winning it made me feel very proud.”

And in line with the ethos of the accolade, the highly motivated young learner greatly appreciates her interactive school life at ACG Strathallan.

“What I like most is getting to see my friends and knowing that the teachers are always there to help me when I don’t understand something,” she confirms. “ACG Strathallan is a school where I can express my feelings. It is a place where I feel safe and happy.”

Primary Pride in Achievement Overall Class Winners (Term 3)