Nominations now open for 2025 end of year awards

We are excited to announce that nominations are currently open for the Cummins Area School end of year awards.

Additionally, we are introducing a new award: the Lower Eyre Council Community Citizenship Award.

Please note that nominations will close on Wednesday of Week 3.

If you would like to nominate someone who fits these criteria, please leave a hardcopy at the Front Office, marked Attn: Melissa Degner.

Mary Trigg Award

Any student from Year 7 onwards is eligible to receive the award once. The recipient will demonstrate:

• A positive and cheerful attitude

• A tolerance for and an understanding of others 

• A willingness to develop gifts and talents 

• Honesty and trustworthiness

and in expressing these the recipient has made a contribution to the school and the community. 

Mike Ford Primary Meritorious Award

This will be awarded to a male and female student in Year 6 who has: 

• Demonstrated a high level of academic achievement across a range of curriculum areas 

• Participated positively in school, interschool and SAPSASA sporting competitions and is a proactive school band member 

• Showed tolerance and understanding of others 

• Is a positive role model to their peers 

Sam Telfer MP Student Award 

Any student from Foundation to Year 6 is eligible to receive the award.  This award will be presented to a student who shows both determination and growth through challenges, and the capacity to consider and help others throughout their school life.

School Community Award

Recognises the extra contribution to the school from any member of the school community.

Flo Polkinghorne Award

Eligibility

• Teaches or supports the teaching / care of students at the Cummins Area School/Child Preschool/ Rural Care Program.

• Past and present teachers and SSOs eligible. 

Details

• Recipients will be eligible for re-nomination after a period of 3 years 

• Nominations accepted from past and present students only.

• Award presented at the end of year assembly

• Simple form for nominations is available from the school

• Assessment panel comprises of members of the Governing Council, SRC (junior and senior) and a member of staff. 

Criteria

• The teacher/SSO demonstrates a love of teaching evidenced by the dedication shown to the job, a general love of children/students and has a passion for what they do.

• The teacher/SSO goes above and beyond the normal expectations and standards of the job.

• The teacher/SSO attends to student’s individual needs and motivates them to exceed their own expectations.

• The teacher/SSO may kindle a love of the subject in their students.

• The teacher/SSO is an inspiration and role model to other teachers, parents and students.

• The teacher/SSO is held in high esteem for their valuable and lasting contribution to the lives of their students.

Lower Eyre Council Community Citizenship Award

Purpose

To recognize and celebrate a student in Years 7–10 at the Cummins Area School who demonstrates outstanding commitment to community service and citizenship through volunteering efforts that benefit the broader community, rather than personal affiliations such as sporting clubs. This award aims to foster civic responsibility, empathy, and leadership among young people.

Eligibility

• Open to students in Years 7 to 10.

• Students must have engaged in volunteering activities that serve the wider community, excluding roles tied to personal sporting clubs or teams.

• The award may be received once per student during their eligible years.

Award Details

• Presented annually at the end-of-year school assembly or community event.

• Nominations may be submitted by teachers, school staff, community members, or peers.

• Valued at $400

Selection Process

• A panel comprising a representative from the Lower Eyre Council and the school will assess nominations.

Criteria

Nominees should demonstrate several of the following:

1. Community Engagement

• Volunteering in local initiatives such as environmental clean-ups, aged care support, community gardens, charity events, or civic projects.

2. Leadership and Initiative

• Taking the lead in organizing or promoting community service activities.

• Encouraging peers to participate in community efforts.

3. Positive Impact

• Making a measurable or visible difference in the community.

• Supporting inclusion across the school and community and considering vulnerable or underrepresented groups.

4. Personal Qualities

• Demonstrates empathy, respect, reliability, and a strong sense of civic duty and

  pride.

• Acts with integrity and shows a commitment to the common good.

5. Sustainability of Effort

• Shows ongoing commitment rather than one-off participation.

• Reflects a genuine interest in contributing to community wellbeing.