Professor Betty H Watts OBE Memorial Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Finalist
Sister Elvera Sesta
School: St Rita’s College Clayfield
Number of years teaching: 51 years
Sister Elvera first came to St Rita’s as a Year 4 student in 1947 following the death of her father — marking the beginning of a lifelong educational partnership that has spanned three generations of young women. An advocate for equality and pioneer of subjects such as science during eras when getting married and making a home were a girl’s typical career options, Sister Elvera’s enduring contributions include two decades as principal, strategic roles within the Queensland Catholic Education Commission and an ongoing focus on improvement by analysing assessment data. With four classes still enjoying her unique brand of leadership, Sister Elvera continues to push the boundaries of her professional practices — integrating new technology and everything from electronic whiteboards to digital photography in her tireless quest to help students succeed.
