Passion for education service to the country recognised

Aug 5, 2016 | Sista i Shine | 0

Port Vila International School’s Principal Mrs. Faye Taylor was awarded a prestigious Independence Medal for services to education.

The Port Vila International School’s long serving Principal Mrs. Faye Taylor was awarded a prestigious Independence Medal for services to education by President Baldwin Lonsdale at State House on Independence Day, Saturday, 30 July 2016.

The recognition of Mrs. Taylor 20 years of education service to the country was an emotional moment for Mrs. Taylor.

“I am truly honoured to receive a Vanuatu Independence Medal for education services to Vanuatu. Education is my passion and I believe education is the key to Vanuatu’s development and success,” said Mrs. Taylor.

Faye Taylor was nominated by the Port Vila International School Board and supported by Mr. Sethy Regenvanu, former Vanuatu Minister for Education, and Mr. Roy Obed, Director of Education Services, Ministry of Education.

“Faye has been a fantastic Principal for the Port Vila International School and just as importantly, as an advocate and great contributor to education in Vanuatu for 20 years,” said Mr. Nik Regenvanu, Port Vila International School’s Board Chairman.

“Under Faye’s leadership and management, the Port Vila International School has become a leading Vanuatu educational institution with a reputation for excellence and for fostering meaningful relationships between the Ni-Vanuatu and international community.

“She has built a school community we are truly proud of. This award is recognition of Faye and also a broader positive reflection on the staff and students of Port Vila International School, both past and present,” said Mr. Nik Regenvanu.

Port Vila International School’s Principal Mrs. Faye Taylor with President Baldwin Lonsdale at State House on Independence Day, Saturday, 30 July 2016

Both Mr. Sethy Regenvanu and Mr. Roy Obed’s submissions highlighted Mrs. Taylor’s commitment and dedication to contributing to Vanuatu’s education curriculum development and the high standard of the Port Vila International School.

Port Vila International School’s Ni-Vanuatu staff also honoured Mrs. Taylor on Tuesday with a special kastom ceremony at the school to recognise her achievements and leadership. Staff praised her kindness and her positive influence supporting staff to achieve positive education goals.

There has been an outpouring of congratulatory tributes on the Port Vila International School’s Facebook page from past student, parents and educators since Saturday.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support I have had from staff, students and parents and other educators,” Mrs. Taylor said.

Port Vila International School staff celebrate Principal Mrs. Faye Taylor’s achievement.

Faye Taylor’s education journey began in March 1997, when she arrived in Vanuatu from New Zealand and began work at the Port Vila International School (PVIS). She was appointed Principal the following year.

Under her leadership the school has grown from 90 students, of which 10% were Ni-Vanuatu, to 330 students, which includes over 30% Ni-Vanuatu students.

Mrs. Taylor has overseen the expansion of the school from its original site at Independence Park to the current school grounds at Tassiriki, which the school purchased and purpose built. The school now caters from Pre-school up to Year 10.

Mrs. Taylor is retiring at the end of the year and will be returning with her husband to New Zealand.

Written by Lisa Macalister

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