The Lorraine Francis Community Award is presented each year to a year 6 student at schools in the Bentleigh electorate.

It is named after the late Lorraine Francis, former principal of St Peter’s Primary School, East Bentleigh between 1995 and 2005. Lorraine is remembered for being someone who has always taught her students the value of service to others - whether it was participating in school fundraisers to provide aid for people in remote villages around the world, or for causes closer to home. Lorraine encouraged her students to make the lives of others better and in doing this, she empowered her students to be strong leaders.

Last week Nick Staikos presented this award at Assembly to the student who demonstrated strong leadership, involvement in improving the lives of community members and most importantly was a strong role model for other students at St Paul’s.  I am delighted to announce Ange Merceica from 6DL as the recipient of the Lorraine Francis award for 2023 – we are so very proud of you Ange!  Congratulations and well done for all you contribute to St Paul’s and our community.