Both nominations, under the NEiTA Foundation, came from within the Middleton school community.

School principal Sherree Rosser presented both teachers with their nomination certificates at a recent assembly where she extended her congratulations and that of the whole school community.

NEiTA awards are intended to recognize and honour representatives of inspirational teaching within their local communities.

The awards programme aims to enhance the standing of teaching within the community and inspire students of high caliber to enter the teaching profession.

Philippa O’Donnell graduated from Mitchell College, Bathurst in 1978, with her first teaching appointment as the District Relief Teacher for the Parkes area.

Since then she has taught in all Parkes schools on a permanent or casual basis.

She resigned from the Education Department in 1985 and combined casual teaching with the rearing of her five sons. Philippa was associated with the Occasional Child Care Centre and joined the staff of the Parkes Early Childhood Centre from 1994 – 2001.

Her career at Middleton Public School commenced in 2002 where she gained a permanent position in 2006.

Philippa enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and attending musical productions.

Heidi Ehsman graduated from Red Bend College in 2000 and undertook a teaching degree at Charles Sturt University (CSU) Bathurst.

She commenced her teaching career at Middleton in 2005.