22 May 2023

Five teachers from Essendon are among hundreds of Victorian teachers being recognised for their long-serving dedication to students and families, through the Recognition of Service to Victorian Education program.

Member for Essendon Danny Pearson MP congratulated the teachers who were being honoured for 40, 45 and 50 years of service to education.

Among those being honoured are David Adamson at Essendon Keilor College, who has served 50 years, Helen Kostiuk at Strathmore Secondary College who has served 45 years and Sam Kyriakou at Mount Alexander College, Jennifer Kofoed at Strathmore North Primary School, and Yloanda De Santis at Strathmore Secondary College who have all served 40 years.

The Recognition of Service program is a chance to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of teachers and other education staff. Recipients will receive a personalised Certificate of Recognition and a commemorative booklet listing all those recognised this year.

Overall 172 eligible recipients are being celebrated for 40 years of service, 78 for 45 years, 45 for 50 years and nine for 55 years of serving the Victorian education system.

A ceremony was held at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park on Sunday 21 May 2023.

The Victorian Government is building the Education State so that every Victorian has access to a great education.

Quotes attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson MP

“The teachers being recognised for their enduring dedication to education in Essendon  are true local heroes.

“Being a teacher is an extraordinary job – they work hard, change lives and make Victoria a better place for everyone.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins

“I want to thank all the teachers and staff being recognised for their commitment to education in Victoria.”

“Whether they taught in classrooms or worked in an office supporting schools, everyone receiving recognition for their service to Victorian education has helped deliver a world class education to generations of Victorians.