Ulladulla High School received numerous Minister's and Secretary's Awards which were recently announced.

Student Jade Mudge won the Minister's Award for Excellence in Student Achievement, School Administrative Officer Leanne Colley got the Secretary's Award for Excellent Service, Gabrielle Curry Head Teacher, Technology and Applied Sciences received Secretary's Award for Excellent Service and the school's Room to Breathe program won the Secretary's Award for Outstanding School Initiative.

Principal Denise Lofts said projects like Room to Breathe program showed how much the school cared for the community.

"It is with great pleasure that the Secretary's and Ministers awards were announced, all of these people and all of these projects represent the deep commitment and dedication to our school and community," Principal Lofts said.

"Our project on bringing mindfulness to our students and our school has been pivotal for many in dealing with the Fires, COVID and all the tragic incidents we have had this year.

"Having time to breathe and rest the mind is a skill that students will use their entire life.

"The awards are absolutely so well deserved."

Gabrielle Curry wanted to express her thanks to everyone involved with the awards.

"I would like to thank those who took the time to nominate me, as I know how busy everyone is," Gabrielle Curry said.

"Of course, a big thank you to my family who support me on a daily basis and 2020 has been a particularly difficult year for our community in so many ways.

"I would like to thank public education and all the weird and wonderful people who taught, mentored and helped me along the way, through the past 30 plus years.

"To my colleagues at Ulladulla High who work so hard to deliver a quality education system in their own unique ways, I would like to recognise their efforts."

Leanne Colley accepted the award on behalf of her other colleagues.

"I am very honoured to have been nominated and selected to receive this award," Leanne Colley said.

"I accept it on behalf of all the non-teaching staff at Ulladulla High School that go above and beyond every day to support students, parents, teachers and the school executive.

"Although 2020 has been a particularly difficult year at Ulladulla High School, I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to provide some assistance to our school community."

Here is a breakdown of various award winners.

Minister's Award for Excellence in Student Achievement:

Jade Mudge Ulladulla High School

Jade Mudge is an exceptional young environmentalist where her words are actions. She has moved her school and her community to actively make a difference from ensuring that our local youth 'Take 3 For the Sea', that they consciously understand and make efforts around climate change encouraged and led by Jade. Jade has the ability and the perseverance to balance her commitment to her academic achievement with serving her school and her community. Her commitment and leadership as the School Captain and to her work on the projects for the Student Representative Council are outstanding. An extraordinary young person.

Secretary's Award for Excellent Service:

Leanne Colley School Administrative Officer, Ulladulla High School

Leanne Colley has been an outstanding Senior Office Manager, for more than 15 years. Always on the forefront of deployment of administrative platforms for many years, Leanne is the administrator behind the success. Leanne has provided impeccable and outstanding support over many years to the students, teachers and the community of our school. In response to the recent South Coast Bushfires and the current COVID-19 pandemic, Leanne has been invaluable in the support of students and families during the recent catastrophic circumstances. Always a highly professional, caring and dedicated member of our team, she is highly deserving of this prestigious award.

Secretary's Award for Excellent Service:

Gabrielle Curry Head Teacher, Technology & Applied Sciences, Ulladulla High School

Gabrielle Curry is a Technology and Applied Studies and Hospitality Head Teacher who has transformed lives through her dedication to students of the Ulladulla and Milton Community, as a dedicated member of the Teachers Association along with her inspiring and dedicated role in leading Vocational Education and Training (VET and the faculty of Technology and Applied Studies). In particular, Gab ensures students with cognitive and emotional disabilities from the school's Support Unit are provided with real world skills that enrich their lives. A remarkable, patient and dedicated professional who builds the hearts and minds of our young people.

Secretary's Award for Outstanding School Initiative:

Ulladulla High School A Mindful School - Room to Breathe

There is overwhelming evidence suggesting that mindfulness is an important life skill that enhances mental health and well-being, concentration, resilience, problem solving, empathy and academic performance. We have improved not only the wellbeing of students but also the well-being of staff. Staff have implemented practices of mindfulness across year 7-12, with particularly great support for Year 12. The skills acquired through this initiative have resulted in reducing anxiety in students during the recent catastrophic bushfires and current pandemic. The unintended improvement and implementation of the mindfulness program has been evidenced and highly beneficial for our students with disabilities who are part of our Support Education Faculty.