After years of putting her students in the spotlight, Emmanuel College music teacher Heidi Gass has found herself on centre stage after being nominated for an ARIA award.
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In the running for the music teacher category, the award highlights the importance music has in the education system and the dedication teachers show to their students and wider community.
"To be honest, I'm in a bit of shock," Ms Gass said.
"It's all a bit surreal. At the moment I'm just waiting to hear if I've made it to the final round so it's all a bit bizarre, but it's a pretty amazing feeling even though I'm not very good at being the centre of attention.
"I like to promote my students more than myself so it's a little bit confronting in some ways but I guess also quite reaffirming to know I'm helping people and fostering a love of music. If somebody out there thinks I'm doing something good then it's good to know I'm creating careers and lives students want."
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Emmanuel College's head of performing arts Ian Leonard, who helped in the nomination process, said he had "never come across a teacher quite like Heidi".
"She's an exceptional performer, exceptional musician and exceptional teacher," he said.
"She was nominated by a private student who had to write an entry about how Heidi impacted their life and once that nomination came through the ARIA board asked for more references from people including myself and a couple of parents.
He said Ms Gass had a positive impact on students both musically and personally.
"The impact she has on the kids is not just on a musical front - she's a really caring person as well, bringing out the best in students and gets them through some really hard times.
"I know personally a couple of her students probably wouldn't be here today if she hadn't been their teacher. There are students that I know that have been struggling with life and have looked up to certain performers like Heidi, who due to her industry contacts has been able to touch base with those performers and get them to reach out to the students.
"It's just those little things that just gets kids through and you just can't put a figure on that. Her students certainly value what she does greatly and it's an incredible thing for Warrnambool."
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Jessica Greenan
Journalist at The Warrnambool Standard covering both Moyne Shire and Corangamite Shire Council. Sometimes court. Special interest in all things environment.
Journalist at The Warrnambool Standard covering both Moyne Shire and Corangamite Shire Council. Sometimes court. Special interest in all things environment.
