Monika Sztendur is a highly effective, passionate and motivated educator. Knowing her in a professional capacity I have seen how she can cater for all students knowing their diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. She knows how the experiences that her students bring to the classroom affect their continued learning. She knows how to structure lessons to meet the physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of her students.

Monika understands what constitutes effective, developmentally appropriate strategies in students learning and teaching programs and uses this knowledge to make the content meaningful for all of her students. She is able to make learning engaging and valued. Monika is able to create and maintain safe, inclusive and challenging learning environments and implements fair and equitable behaviour management plans.

Monika has a repertoire of effective teaching strategies and use them to implement well-designed teaching programs and lessons. She regularly evaluates all aspects of her teaching practice to ensure they are meeting the learning needs of her students. She interprets and uses student assessment data to diagnose barriers to learning and to challenge her students to improve their performance.

I wish Monika every success, on her new adventure, in the next step of her professional journey.

Vanessa Polin (Assistant Principal, Sydney)

Monika was the head Special Needs teacher for my son Will for 4 years, from Year 3 to Year 6.

Due to Monika's passion and determination Will was able to assimilate into the regular school system when previously a child with his level of special needs would have been in a satellite class.

Monika sourced out tremendous support and services for Will. She was creative and thorough in her plan for Will. Monika was not daunted by his many diagnoses and remained realistic at all times.

As a parent of a child who as time goes by more sorrow and disappointment unfolds as his limitations come to light, Monika was never judgemental but accepting and patient.

Will has just graduated from Primary School and has been accepted to enter a regular High School as he has proven that he can manage well. I am so proud of him. My husband and I thank Miss Monika from the bottom of our heart.

Kerry and Peter Dec 2015