TCEC Recognition Awards Presentation
Kelly Cox – Sacred Heart Catholic School, Launceston
Award – Outstanding Contribution as a Friend in Catholic Schools
At the core of Catholic schools in Tasmania are parents and friends that volunteer their time and expertise to help the Principal run the school and provide the best opportunities for the students without whom the strong sense of community would disappear. Kelly Cox is such a parent whose support and contribution has been greatly appreciated by all those at Sacred Heart Catholic School. Kelly has shown an extraordinary level of commitment to helping out voluntarily in many areas of the School whilst juggling work and family demands. Kelly embodies the principle “Never see a need without doing something about it”.
Kelly has embraced her school community and has become a central figure in the operation of the School. Kelly has been enthusiastic and brought energy and ideas to so many areas of the school. She has been a canteen helper for ten years, a Clothing Pool Manager for ten years, a member of the Parents and Friends Association for ten years - currently President, School Fair Co-ordinator for six years, provided support for Sacramental programs for ten years, has provided classroom help for ten years and has recently joined the new playground committee. Kelly volunteers many hours to plan and coordinate the School’s major fundraiser – the Annual Twilight Fair. This a critical event for the school as both the major fundraiser for the year and a chance for the community to come together.
As a member of the Parents and Friends Association, as well being its President and Secretary, Kelly has assisted with organising the Welcome Barbeque, Rock and Roll Night, Carols on the Oval and the Grade 6 legacy project. As a parent help, she volunteers her time to provide classroom support, assisting with excursions and assisting with Grade barbeques. Kelly has always been honest, open and willing to name challenges and concerns as a parent in general and through her many roles in the school community. In working in the Uniform Shop, she has identified struggling families and has gone above and beyond in a quiet, respectful way to ensure they receive the assistance they need from the School.
Kelly’s commitment, energy and drive have beenintegral to the success of the School Fair, raising funds to improve the school facilities, services and build a sense of community. In all that she does Kelly shows compassion, empathy, support, is respectful of others and listens to people thoughts and ideas. Kelly’s positive, friendly attitude, her ability to positively influence others and her encouragement and support of other parents to engage in the School and contribute what they can, leading to increased parent participation in School life makes her a worthy recipient of this Award.