Inspirational Moira Wins Employee Of The Year Award

Scotland’s inspirational teacher of the year, Moira Mackenzie, from Park Primary School, Invergordon, has been chosen as The Highland Council’s Employee of the Year.

Head of the nursery unit at Park Primary, Moira received her recognition at the Council’s Quality Awards, which were held on Tuesday night at Carbisdale Castle, Culrain, Sutherland.

Moira recently enjoyed a weekend in London after making the short-list for the UK award. She has been teaching at Park Primary since 1992 and also visits other schools to promote best practice in nursery education.

Moira was nominated by her head teacher, Eleanor Neil and the Council’s Head of Education, Donnie MacDonald.  They wrote:  "Moira creates a climate for learning in the classroom that is characterised by enthusiasm for learning. She has high expectations and outstanding results. Every child is treated as an individual and goals set according to his/her level of development. Moira values everyone and gives responsibility to both staff and pupils at the appropriate level.  Most of all Moira makes learning fun."

Also short-listed for Employee of the Year were Jackie Hodges, Manager of Strathburn House, Gairloch, and Carol Elliot, tenant participation officer, East Ross.

Three Council employees received special awards after being commended by their Community Councils for outstanding service during the night of the worst gales experienced in the Highlands for many years.  Richard Blain, Community Works Manager, Skye and Lochalsh, Jackson Elder, harbourmaster, Gairloch, and Ian MacLelland, Community Works Officer, Lochaber, were praised by Staffin Community Council, Gairloch Community Council and Caol Community Council respectively for effectively co-ordinating a response to the flood and wind damage of 10 January this year, which caused £5 million worth of damage to Council property alone.

Well known author and broadcaster Muriel Gray presented the prizes at the event, now in its eighth year, which recognises achievement within the Council.

The awards were sponsored by Fujitsu, Zurich Municipal and Diageo.

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