Students, teachers, support staff and special guests from 11 Port Stephens schools turned out to Irrawang High School for the Education Week Awards.

The theme of the awards this year was shared stories, better learning, stronger communities.

This was reinforced by the guest speakers: past Irrawang High School student Kelsey Philpott-Robinson and past Hunter River High School student Traci Lark.

Ms Philpott-Robinson spoke about her journey as a 17 year old student leaving school in 2010 to today doing her PhD in occupational therapy at Newcastle University.

Amy Weston and Joshua Ferguson from Irrawang High School received the excellence in student achievement award; Claire Wotton and Meagan Witchard took out excellence in teaching; outstanding contribution by a non-teaching member of the school went to Peter Slade and Eddie Gerigk.

The outstanding contribution by a school community member was won by Raymond Terrace Bowling Club while the school achievement award went to Jenny Garner for the numeracy intervention program.

The awards ceremony kicked off with a restaurant quality afternoon tea prepared by Irrawang High teacher Jenny Sellers and her year 11 hospitality students.

Guests were entertained by pianists Renaya Blackie and Alex Hall before moving to the hall for the ceremony where they enjoyed musical performances by students from a variety of schools.

Lue Fagan, Irrawang High’s community liaison officer, made special mention of the school captains for their hosting skills.

The captains of Irrawang High, Hunter River High, Wirreanda, Medowie, Grahamstown and Irrawang public schools each hosted a section of the awards ceremony. 

Other schools in attendance were Raymond Terrace, Salt Ash, Tanilba Bay, Seaham and Karuah public schools.