The 2025 Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week Competition Winner is
Groves Christian College, QLD
During Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, Groves Christian College celebrated their dedicated teacher aides with the Blessing Buddies Project. The initiative began with heartfelt notes from students, then challenged TAs to take on a “secret mission”: building meaningful connections with students they hadn’t yet worked with. Going above and beyond, the team supported multiple students across grades 3–6, fostering belonging, care, and encouragement. This project showcased the teacher aides’ creativity, dedication, and positive impact on learning.
Groves Christian College stood out in this year’s competition for their originality and creativity, as well as the way they involved not only teacher aides, but also students and teachers. Their initiative not only celebrated their teacher aides during Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week but also created a framework for ongoing recognition and connection. By encouraging new relationships and building a culture of appreciation that extends beyond a single week, Groves showed how teacher aide contributions can be acknowledged in meaningful and lasting ways.
Congratulations to Groves Christian College on winning an Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week Morning Tea valued at $150!
We would like to give a special mention to Gosnells Primary School, John Paul College-Frankston, St Joseph’s Primary School-Orbost and The Hall State School.
In their entries, they not only expressed appreciation directly to their teacher aides but also took the extra step of showing the whole school community how much these educators matter. They did this through purposeful professional development, involving staff and students, and creating unique ways to make their teacher aides shine.
Amazing teacher aides embody a blend of dedication, compassion, and reliability. They are not only hardworking and attentive but also bring a genuine care for the students' learning and well-being.
This year’s entries in our morning tea competition once again shone a spotlight on these qualities, showing how exceptional education support teams go above and beyond every day.
The standard keeps rising each year, and the stories, photos, and videos shared were an absolute joy to read and watch.
As part of the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week celebrations, held from September 1 – 5, all of these schools made great efforts to show appreciation to their education support staff …
Brisbane Grammar School, QLD
Brisbane Grammar School found a thoughtful way to celebrate their school support officers during a staff briefing. The team “hijacked” the usual shout outs, and every teacher gave a personal message of thanks to an SSO, recognising something meaningful they had done. The school support officers had no idea it was coming, making it a wonderful surprise. The heartfelt public acknowledgements highlighted how valued and appreciated they are within the school community.
Browns Plains State High School, QLD
At Browns Plains State High School, the teacher aide team is described as “beyond amazing” by one of their own. Their dedication, skill, and care make a huge difference to students every day. They quietly support learning, wellbeing, and school life, consistently going above and beyond to ensure every student is seen and supported.
Butler College, WA
At Butler College, the education assistants support students across both Education Support and mainstream classrooms. During Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, the Lead EA celebrated the team with thoughtful gifts each day — from home-baked treats and affirmation notepads to self-care packs, chocolates, personalised certificates, and even fun temporary tattoos. The team received canteen vouchers and gift packs from leadership, to highlight just how valued the EAs are.
Carine Senior High School, WA
At Carine Senior High School, education assistants were celebrated with creativity and care during Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week. The Learning Centre prepared special “EA Survival Kits” - hand-decorated bags filled with treats and essentials to brighten their day. Teachers also decorated paper hands with messages of thanks, adding a personal touch to the celebrations. To top it off, the team enjoyed a morning tea together, recognising their hard work and positive impact.
Collingwood English Language School, VIC
Collingwood English Language School showed how they value their education support team by providing a dedicated professional development day. The team engaged with an Australian Teacher Aide video resource on the importance of teacher aides in supporting social inclusion in schools. Staff feedback highlighted how informative and insightful the session was, sparking meaningful discussions and sharing diverse perspectives and showcasing the school’s commitment to supporting their staff and students.
Dalby State School, QLD
At Dalby State School, Teacher Aides were celebrated during Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week by a student free day being dedicated to their professional development. The team enthusiastically began their ATAPS journey, engaging in a presentation and then working together to plot the standards. The session not only built professional growth but also showcased the teamwork and commitment that make this group of TAs so valued within the school.
Duncraig Senior High School, WA
Duncraig Senior High School celebrated their dedicated education assistants with a special morning tea, organised by the Learning Support Manager and leadership team. To make the occasion even more meaningful, each EA received appreciation slips and shared anonymous messages of thanks with one another. These slips were then proudly displayed to decorate the office as a daily reminder of their impact.
Eagleby State School, QLD
Eagleby State School celebrated their amazing teacher aides with a day full of recognition, kindness, and gratitude. The team received heartfelt letters, drawings, thoughtful gifts, and delicious food, reflecting the care and thoughtfulness of the school community. A video captured the TAs’ teamwork and the personal touches that made them so special.
East Maitland Public School, NSW
East Maitland Public School celebrated their wonderful School Learning Support Officers with a special video created by students. The video highlighted the SLSOs in action and included interviews where students shared their thanks and expressed what they love about the team. Through their dedication, support, and care, the SLSOs make a meaningful difference every day across the school community.
Gin Gin State High School, QLD
Gin Gin State High School is proud of their hardworking and dedicated team of teacher aides. Always ready with a smile, they work tirelessly to support students in reaching their best every day. The team’s positive attitude and commitment makes an enormous difference to the whole school community every day.
Gosnells Primary School, WA - Special Mention
Gosnells Primary School is proud of their exceptional teacher aides, whose dedication and versatility make a lasting impact. They run intervention groups, assist with testing, manage behaviour, and support teachers in countless ways. The team has embraced upskilling, learning from one another, and stepping in wherever needed. Their professionalism, teamwork, and laughter highlight the positive difference they make for students and the school community.
Gwynne Park Education Support Centre, WA
Gwynne Park Education Support Centre celebrated their dedicated education assistants during Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week with a heartfelt video. Students waved thank-you posters while sharing messages of gratitude, highlighting the meaningful connections their education assistants build every day. The team’s compassion, dedication, and creativity make a lasting impact on students and the wider school community.
Harristown State School, QLD
The special needs teacher aides at Harristown State School are true heroes. Every day, they support students with diverse learning needs, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally by creating safe, supportive spaces for students to thrive. The team is often seen enjoying birthdays, Book Week dress-ups, and moments of fun together, showing the same care and teamwork they bring to their roles!
Helensvale State School, QLD
The teacher aides at Helensvale State School are known for their hard work, dedication, and sense of fun. Every day, they go above and beyond for students and staff, showing unwavering care, patience, and support. They ensure every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged, celebrating successes and guiding them through their educational and emotional challenges.
Illaroo Road Public School, NSW
At Illaroo Road Public School, one Kindergarten student in the Autism Unit shared how much the teacher aides mean to them. From helping with learning and daily routines to offering comfort and calming strategies, the TAs make a big difference every day. The student especially appreciates Miss Madge, who supports everyone in the class with patience and care.
John Paul College – Frankston, VIC - Special Mention
At John Paul College, the dedication and care of their teacher aides were celebrated during Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week. The Learning Diversity Leader led a staff briefing, showing a video showcasing the teacher aides in action and capturing their vital contributions. Each TA was acknowledged with a certificate, and a display featuring their photos and notes of gratitude from teachers and students highlighted the unique ways they make a difference.
King’s Christian College, QLD
At King’s Christian College, the teacher aide team proudly call themselves Team Fantastic — small in number but mighty in spirit! Being celebrated and recognised as part of Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week gave them a powerful lift in energy and morale and was a wonderful reminder of just how much their dedication and hard work mean to everyone around them.
Lakes Entrance Secondary College, VIC
Lakes Entrance Secondary College proudly showcased their incredible education support staff with a special video. The video highlighted the many ways their team makes a difference every day, showing the care, dedication, and skills they bring to the school community. LESC truly wouldn’t be the same without them — one team with many strengths, working together to support students and staff alike.
Margaret River Independent School, WA
During Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week at Margaret River Independent School, teacher aides were celebrated with a beautiful cake, chocolates, and hand-written postcards recognising their dedication and unique contributions. The festivities sparked laughter and connection, especially when half the cake mysteriously disappeared — a running joke now called #cakespiracy! The week highlighted the joy, care, and sense of community these TAs bring to the school.
Marsden Park Anglican College, NSW
Marsden Park Anglican College celebrated their dedicated learning mentors during Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week with a special school assembly, where they were presented with chocolates as a token of thanks. Students from both the junior and senior schools also expressed their gratitude through heartfelt cards and notes, recognising the many ways the learning mentors encourage, assist, and go above and beyond every day.
Mount Cotton State School, NSW
The teacher aides at Mount Cotton State School have become an essential part of the school community. The team is known for their strong camaraderie and their commitment to creating a positive learning environment. To recognise their hard work and teamwork, the teacher aides were treated to a morning tea. The school also shared a video showcasing the TAs in action - leading by example and ensuring no one is ever left on their own.
Mount St Benedict College, QLD
During Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, the Learning Support Teachers at Mount St Benedict College surprised their teaching assistants with a special morning tea and presented each with a certificate to celebrate their growth in 2025. This recognition came as part of a whole-college professional learning initiative. Their dedication was even recognised in the Australian Teacher Aide August newsletter.
Narrogin Senior High School, WA
At Narrogin Senior High School, education assistants were celebrated with certificates, posters, and heartfelt words of thanks from school leaders. Their warmth, support, and dedication are seen as vital to the school community. Some teachers also shared their appreciation with personal thank-you notes and chocolates, while a special video of the presentation was created and shared on social media to honour this team of EAs.
Newton Primary School, WA
At Newton Primary School, the education assistants were warmly celebrated during Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week with a special morning tea, set up with the help of students. Staff and students also took the time to write heartfelt notes of gratitude on bright paper sunflowers, which were displayed on the staffroom board, serving as a daily reminder of just how much the school community values and appreciates its EAs.
Northlakes State College, QLD
At this large P–12 school, over 60 teacher aides support students across two campuses, quietly making a huge impact every day. During Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, the school celebrated their dedication with emails from leadership, a morning tea, and a video featuring thank-you notes from teachers and students. From classroom support to roles in the health room, library, and attendance office, these teacher aides are vital to the school community.
Ocean Reef Senior High School, WA
At Ocean Reef Senior High School, education assistants were treated to a sweet surprise for Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, with heartwarming messages and goodies waiting on their desks. Later, the team celebrated with a simple but powerful activity - writing notes of gratitude and encouragement for one another, showing how even the smallest gestures of appreciation can have a big impact.
Padua College, QLD
At Padua College, the teacher aide team is the heart of the school, bringing dedication, care, and laughter to every day. Over the past year, the team has grown into a supportive “family,” leaning on each other’s strengths and celebrating each other’s contributions. As part of Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, the school organised a breakfast to recognise their teacher aide team.
Penrith Public School, NSW
At Penrith Public School, they have a team of 10 full-time Student Learning Support Officers who support eight classes of students with a variety of needs. The SLSOs are celebrated as the “legends behind the scenes” and to honour the team, the Assistant Principal created a heartfelt poem highlighting each member and the unique qualities they bring to their role. The poem was shared at a mini presentation, celebrating the SLSO team.
Prenzlau State School, QLD
Prenzlau State School celebrated their incredible teacher aides during Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, by recognising their dedication and teamwork. The school gifted each of their five TAs a goodie bag, a certificate with a personal message, and a posy from a local flower farm. The team also participated in professional learning to expand their skills while enjoying a lunch together to highlight the school’s gratitude and the strong bonds shared with their teacher aides.
Riverside Adventist School, QLD
Riverside Adventist School celebrated their dedicated teacher aides, whose patience, and support make a real difference for their 70 students. The team of teacher aides, nurture young minds and model resilience and gratitude every day. Through hands-on learning opportunities, the school also inspires future teacher aides. Images shared on the school’s social media highlight the smiles, dedication, and impact of this wonderful team.
Sacred Heart College – Geelong, VIC
Sacred Heart College have a dedicated team of 32 learning support officers, whose teamwork and care make a real difference for students in Years 7–12. They support teachers and students, helping students access the curriculum, build confidence, and develop independence. Always ready to collaborate and support one another, their dedication, expertise, and commitment enrich the school community every day.
Salesian College – Chadstone, VIC
At Salesian College Chadstone, the Learning Diversity team is described as the ‘heart and soul of the school’. With patience, creativity, and compassion, they adapt resources, deliver personalised strategies, and foster an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Their commitment goes far beyond academics - changing lives through care and dedication, often behind the scenes.
Salesian College – Sunbury, VIC
At Salesian College Sunbury, teacher aides were celebrated with thoughtful gifts and messages of thanks. From superhero-inspired coasters to cards declaring “You’re a star,” the gestures were a wonderful way to recognise the everyday heroes who make such a difference in the lives of students and staff.
Salvado Catholic College, WA
During Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, Salvado Catholic College celebrated their education assistants with a morning tea and messages of gratitude via Teams. Students and teachers also joined in, wishing the team a “Happy Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Day,” highlighting the warmth and appreciation felt across the school. These celebrations showcased the vital role education assistants play every day, supporting students, teachers, and the wellbeing of the wider school community.
Springwood Central State School, QLD
At Springwood Central State School, the teacher aides are the heartbeat of the classrooms. During Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, the school celebrated their team through Meaningful Mailbox Monday, Tasty Treat Tuesday, We-Do-Your-Duty Wednesday, and Thoughtful Gift Thursday, highlighting just how valued they are. The teacher aides build confidence, go above and beyond in learning, and bring warmth and humour to the whole school.
St Johns College – Dubbo, NSW
At St Johns College in Dubbo, the teacher aide team plays a vital role in supporting students across years 7–12. During Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, the team was celebrated with a thoughtful canteen gift certificate and a delicious coffee, recognising their dedication and hard work. Their support ensures students have the guidance, encouragement, and care they need to thrive.
St Joseph’s Primary School, VIC - Special Mention
St Joseph’s Primary School in Orbost, may be a small rural school of just 26 students, but the impact of the teacher aides is immense. Known for their dedication, support, and resilience, they adapt to change, embrace new learning practices, and consistently go above and beyond for the students in their care and the whole school community is deeply grateful for all that they do.
St Luke’s Anglican School, QLD
The teacher aides at St Luke’s Anglican School know how to bring the fun to learning! Whether it’s dressing up for Book Week or supporting students, this team shows creativity, energy, and teamwork. Their enthusiasm makes school enjoyable for the students they support and it’s clear that St Luke’s has a dedicated and fun-loving group of teacher aides who make a difference every single day.
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, QLD
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School celebrated Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week with a range of thoughtful activities to honour their teacher aides. Students wrote messages of thanks on certificates placed on the teacher aides’ desks, and two Year 10 students delivered a heartfelt assembly speech. The celebrations continued with gifts, cake, and professional learning, including a reflective session where a former student—now a TA herself—shared her gratitude for the support she once received.
Templeton Primary School, VIC
At Templeton Primary School, the teacher aides proudly call themselves “Barb’s Babes”— a close-knit team who clearly love what they do. In the video they shared for Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, their teamwork, fun, and dedication shone through. The school has celebrated this special week for several years, and it’s evident that these aides are passionate about their work and deeply committed to the students they support.
The Hall State School, QLD - Special Mention
At The Hall State School, Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week was celebrated with a special morning tea hosted by teachers and admin. Adding a splash of colour, the teacher aides wore bright rainbow capes with the words “Teacher Aides are the gold at the end of the rainbow.” It was a fun and heartfelt way to acknowledge their hard work and show the joy they bring to the school community.
Tully State High School, QLD
Tully State High School is proud of its amazing and diverse team of teacher aides and knows that every member of the team brings something special. During Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, the school treated the TAs to a breakfast, gift bags and chocolates. A highlight was a homemade brownie baked by one of the maths teachers! The celebrations reflected just how valued the team is.
Warilla High School, NSW
Warilla High School celebrated their school learning support officers (SLSOs) by creating a heartfelt video tribute that showed appreciation for all non-teaching staff. Teachers, school leaders, and staff were interviewed, sharing what they love most about the SLSOs and the difference they make every day. The video captured not only their skills and dedication but also the appreciation felt across the whole school community.
Warrah Specialist School, NSW
At Warrah Specialist School, teaching assistants are considered superstars. Whether guiding a hesitant hand during craft, encouraging a student through a tricky transition, or celebrating small but significant milestones, their support ensures every learner is seen, heard, and valued. To mark Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, the school created a special video and sent photos showcasing these TAs in action.
Wellington Point State School, QLD
Wellington Point State School shared a heartfelt video celebrating their amazing teacher aide team. The team bring joy, care, and dedication to every child they support, building safe and trusting relationships that make a real difference. The team also supports each other every step of the way, sharing encouragement, laughter, and advice throughout the day. Staff and students alike have expressed their gratitude, showing just how valued the teacher aides are within the school community.
Westminster School, SA
Westminster School pulled out all the stops to celebrate their wonderful Teacher Assistants. Students shared heartfelt messages, created a “chocolate card” of sweet words and treats, and even put together a flower display where every bloom represented a note of appreciation. Each TA also received a gratitude-filled card, before being recognised at assembly with a moving video featuring student messages. To help them relax, the school organised a yoga and Pilates session—a thoughtful way to say thank you!
Windaroo Valley State High School, QLD
Windaroo Valley State High School is proud of its exceptional team of around 20 teacher aides within the Student Support Services department. These teacher aides are mentors, motivators, and advocates who ensure every student feels supported, understood, and encouraged. From one-on-one support to classroom assistance, life skills coaching, and wellbeing care, the team brings compassion, patience, and creativity to every interaction. Their dedication and expertise make a profound difference in students’ learning, inclusion, and confidence.
