Last Friday the Northern Territory Education and Care Awards celebrated the achievements of early childhood and outside school hours educators and services.
Among the five award recipients was our very own Goodstart Nightcliff senior educator and educational leader Maria Baron whose leadership was recognised – winning ‘Outstanding Leader’.
Maria was one of three finalists for the ‘Outstanding Leader’ category which recognises individuals that demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and contribute to continuous quality improvement in service/program delivery.
Maria, who has been with Goodstart for nearly six years (spending four of those with the Nightcliff team) has made an incredible impact on the children, families and team, and was honoured to have been nominated by her Goodstart Nightcliff team.
“To me, being nominated means that all the work, support and passion the (Nightcliff) team has put in is being valued and recognised,” Maria said.
“It's amazing to see how you can inspire people and it gives me the motivation to continue striving for the best outcomes for children.”
Maria has a strong passion for early learning and the Goodstart community.
“Working in early learning brings a unique opportunity to impact the lives of people - especially in early years which is fundamental for development as well as building relationships with families, educators and children,” she said.
“I have been supported by leaders both in centre and across the organisation and it has made me confident to do my job.
"My team has been amazing and very supportive – we have gotten to know each other on a deep level which helps everyone willing to get on board to try out a new strategy, concept or ideas.
"I really want thank Goodstart, my team and all leaders across the organisation as I am grateful for the opportunities since beginning at Goodstart - this is a big achievement but (as a finalist) I already feel like a winner.”
The awards, which Goodstart was a proud sponsor of, were established in 2013 to recognise and showcase educators and services that are delivering quality learning opportunities, are innovative, and demonstrate exceptional commitment to achieving quality outcomes for Northern Territory children and their families.
Goodstart Nightcliff’s Centre Director Fathima Rizvi was full of praise of Maria and her work.
“Maria is absolutely wonderful with children, particularly being able to build relationships with them by communicating and interacting with them at their level,” Fathima said.
“Maria has such a positive energy and as a part of the leadership team we appreciate her mentoring and ability to build relationships with children, families and educators - every day with her, is a learning.
“We are very excited for Maria, and believe she definitely deserves this award and many more.”
Our Goodstarters do amazing work each and every day and seeing those who go above and beyond get recognised for their work is so important.
Among the five award recipients was our very own Goodstart Nightcliff senior educator and educational leader Maria Baron whose leadership was recognised – winning ‘Outstanding Leader’.
Maria was one of three finalists for the ‘Outstanding Leader’ category which recognises individuals that demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and contribute to continuous quality improvement in service/program delivery.
Maria, who has been with Goodstart for nearly six years (spending four of those with the Nightcliff team) has made an incredible impact on the children, families and team, and was honoured to have been nominated by her Goodstart Nightcliff team.
“To me, being nominated means that all the work, support and passion the (Nightcliff) team has put in is being valued and recognised,” Maria said.
“It's amazing to see how you can inspire people and it gives me the motivation to continue striving for the best outcomes for children.”
Maria has a strong passion for early learning and the Goodstart community.
“Working in early learning brings a unique opportunity to impact the lives of people - especially in early years which is fundamental for development as well as building relationships with families, educators and children,” she said.
“I have been supported by leaders both in centre and across the organisation and it has made me confident to do my job.
"My team has been amazing and very supportive – we have gotten to know each other on a deep level which helps everyone willing to get on board to try out a new strategy, concept or ideas.
"I really want thank Goodstart, my team and all leaders across the organisation as I am grateful for the opportunities since beginning at Goodstart - this is a big achievement but (as a finalist) I already feel like a winner.”
The awards, which Goodstart was a proud sponsor of, were established in 2013 to recognise and showcase educators and services that are delivering quality learning opportunities, are innovative, and demonstrate exceptional commitment to achieving quality outcomes for Northern Territory children and their families.
Goodstart Nightcliff’s Centre Director Fathima Rizvi was full of praise of Maria and her work.
“Maria is absolutely wonderful with children, particularly being able to build relationships with them by communicating and interacting with them at their level,” Fathima said.
“Maria has such a positive energy and as a part of the leadership team we appreciate her mentoring and ability to build relationships with children, families and educators - every day with her, is a learning.
“We are very excited for Maria, and believe she definitely deserves this award and many more.”
Our Goodstarters do amazing work each and every day and seeing those who go above and beyond get recognised for their work is so important.