2023 Mark Prest Award

To commemorate our much loved and admired Deputy Principal Mark Prest, who commenced at the College in 1996 and became Deputy Principal in 1997, the College Executive has named an annual award for an ‘educationalist’ in his honour.

Mark had a deep love for his God and was passionate educator who had a deep sense of the school community. He listened, accepted and embraced all the people he found in his life. Mark demonstrated strength during his own battle with illness and throughout his life he was willing to be a ‘shelter in a storm’ for others. He was a deep thinker and came to believe strongly in the stewardship model of leadership.

Below you will find a nomination form for the 2023 Mark Prest Award, which will be presented at our Night of Excellence on Tuesday 12 December 2023 to the staff member (teacher or non-teacher) who most exemplifies our Mercy education philosophies, values and spirit. Each staff member can only win this award once. Staff members can be nominated by parents, students, other staff, or community members. Please consider this process.

The award is presented annually to a staff member (teacher or non-teacher) who most exemplifies Mark’s educational philosophy and witness as judged by the following criteria which embody the spirit of Mark as an educator. It is expected that the recipient of this award will reflect many of these characteristics.

Mark:

• had a passionate respect for the dignity of each person
• set a public example of integrity, love, commitment and awareness each day
• showed empathy and concern for the welfare of others
• had a healthy sense of tolerance, acceptance and openness
• fostered genuine, honest, authentic, compassionate and just relationships
• was filled with the excitement of teaching or supporting teaching
• was a courageous and committed learner
• aspired to and encouraged excellence
• encouraged a love of learning in others
  
• was willing to take risks and learn from experience
• believed that teaching and learning mattered
• fostered a strong climate of community involving students, teachers and parents
• had a sense of civic responsibility and pride
• contributed to the social and spiritual environment of the school.

The selection of the winner will be made by a panel which includes Principal Mr Philip Morison, an Advisory Council Member, two staff members and one student (a student leader).

Nominate by visiting HERE to fill out a nomination form. Nominations close on Friday 10 November 2023.

Previous winners of the Mark Prest Award are: