Following a nomination by the parents of St Vincent’s Aranda student Chloe Paini, Year 4 teacher Angela Luchetti has won the Chief Minister’s Inclusion Award for Education and Training.

Chloe’s parents, Michelle and Dean, wrote a heart-felt tribute to Angela and the school that has helped to shape a rich and meaningful learning experience for their ten year old with down syndrome.

Angela said that she was overwhelmed and humbled to be nominated, and was not expecting to be announced a winner at the Awards Night held at the National Museum on 6 December.

“The award was not just for me but for our St Vincent’s school community, particularly my Year 4 class, who amaze me every day with their attitude, generosity and inclusiveness toward all their peers,” she said.

“In our classroom there is no such thing as disability; we all just have different abilities.”

“It is important at our school that every student has the opportunity to access the curriculum and is included in all activities,”

“Having Chloe in our class has given all my students the precious gifts of understanding, patience, kindness and friendship.”

“St Vincent’s is lucky to have a Principal who values diversity and the opportunities it can bring to all students.”

School Principal Lina Vigliotta said that she is extremely proud of Angela’s achievement that is indicative of the inclusive and welcoming ethos of belonging at St Vincent’s.

“It is a privilege to lead staff who are committed to going beyond to make every school day engaging for their student,” she said.

“To be awarded the ACT Chief Minister award for Inclusion in Education and Training verifies that we are meeting the needs of all students.”