Carolyn Van Der Spek is the Launching into Learning teacher at East Tamar Primary School.

Ms Van Der Spek was awarded the Engaging our Learners award for early learning in the Department of Education’s Together We Inspire awards, which took place on October 18 at the Country Club.

Her recognition was celebrated on Friday with a morning tea attended by pupils, parents, and fellow teachers.

Ms Van Der Spek said despite the school’s demographic area, she hoped to encourage children and their families to dream big.

“My role as a Launching into Learning teacher is one that is very diverse, but one that I am extremely passionate about,” she said.

“When I started in this position in July 2016, we had a limited number of families attending.

“Now, we’ve grown that to over 80 families, which is really exciting.”

She said winning the award was not only very exciting for her, but also the school.

“Regardless of our school demographic area, our Launching into Learning program provides many early learning years opportunities, which is fantastic,” she said.

“I must thank the wonderful families that I am privileged to work with every week.

“East Tamar Primary School is achieving great milestones and it is fabulous to be recognised for this.”

Ms Van Der Spek thanked her colleague Kelly Olsen for nominating her, and also the school’s principal Karen Hay for her support.

“I am so proud to be part of the East Tamar Primary School community,” she said.

Three other Northern schools were recognised in the awards.

Invermay Primary School won the Innovation Award, Perth Primary School won the Numeracy Champion Award, and Summerdale Primary School won the Engaging Our Learners award for primary pupils.