2022 Amanda Waddell Presentation

Such a pleasure to be at John Paul College for the presentation of the APATA National Performing Arts Teacher of the Year Award to Amanda Waddell, JPC’s Head of Faculty for the Arts.

Thank you to APATA Ambassador Angela Loh, Managing Producer for Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra and Michael Sterzinger, Executive Director, Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra for presenting Amanda with the award.

Here at APATA we are in awe of the dedication and drive of teachers who motivate, support and inspire their students on a daily basis.

Angela Loh had this to say about her own teachers, “I am so grateful to my music and drama teachers who revealed an amazing creative world and supported my dreams to work in the arts.”

“Growing up in Regional Queensland could have been a roadblock for me, desiring a career so removed from a life on a farm. However my teachers, my mentors provided me the opportunity and confidence to pursue a career in performing arts. Something that I will be forever grateful for.”

Camerata Executive Director, Michael Sterzinger, is also a professional musician and performs with the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra, has worked in artistic planning with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Youth Orchestra, the Bavarian Youth Orchestra and several festivals. He also comes from a family of teachers and understands the affect their guidance can have on students.

“When I think of the teachers at school and what’s been the important things the teachers did, is really to inspire students and to provide pathways.” said Michael.

“The most important thing I learnt from teachers, especially from performing arts teachers like Mrs Waddell, is about diversity. Every student is different, every student has different skills, has different talents, and has a different style of expressing yourself, and a different style of learning and that needs to be encouraged, because we all need to find ourselves and our way into society.”

Congratulations Amanda Waddell!!

Winner of the APATA National Performing Arts Teacher of the Year Award