10 Oct 2011
Rotary Club of Holroyd recognised the community service and achievements of the Principal of Fowler Road School, Mr Joseph Mitchell, with the "Pride of Workmanship Award".
Pride of Workmanship is an approved Rotary project instigated in 1975 by the Rotary Club of Pennant Hills (Australia, District 9680). The Pride of Workmanship Program enables managers in our society to publicly recognise employees and community members for their efforts and achievements. Participating businesses promote the Pride of Workmanship theme of "Do it once- do it well" throughout their organisation and nominate employees worthy of recognition, not only within the organisation, but the wider community. Nominees of the Pride of Workmanship Program are presented with a trophy in recognition of their achievements.
Mr Mitchell studied at Western Sydney University and later at University of Technology where he completed his Special Education degree. Mr Mitchell has been working in special education for over 20 years with children with mental health disorders and their families. He is currently the Principal of Fowler Road Special School at Merrylands.
In 2009, Mr Mitchell was also awarded a Churchill Fellowship in recognition of his expertise and achievement in mental health and special education. He was awarded this fellowship to study multidisciplinary services for refugee children experiencing mental health and behavioural issues as a result of trauma. The Churchill Trust provides annual fellowships for Australians to travel overseas to experience new opportunities, to make contacts with the best in their fields, and to bring the experience back to benefit Australia. Mr Mitchell will use his experiences in his work to better help those children who have suffered psychological trauma.
Rotary Club of Holroyd has had a long relationship with Fowler Road School, helping to support many of the schools special programs. Mrs Irene Little, President of Holroyd Rotary, was very proud to have presented this award to someone who had shown such commitment to young children with disabilities within our community. Mr Trevor Elias, past President and MC for the awards said of Mr Mitchell, "He is a forward thinker and a all round lovely man who is approachable. He has a fabulous relationship with all his staff, students and parents at Fowler Road School". Mr Mitchell said, "I feel very proud to have won such an award, as I have never expected to receive such public recognition".