2011 Awards
Teacher Award
Mrs Merle Hopman
Music Teacher
Kangaroo Flat Primary School, Kangaroo Flat, VIC
As the music specialist teacher at Kangaroo Flat Primary School, Merle Hopman has developed an excellent program combining Kodaly and Orff approaches to instruction. In a school where few students might otherwise learn music, Merle’s programs encourage and enable the discovery of new interests, creativity and musical skills. Merle offers every student the opportunity to learn an instrument, compose music in the classroom, and perform in ensembles.
She teaches recorder and guitar, but her program’s most visible successes have been through developmental vocal and choral work, characterised by secure music literacy and excellent tonal quality. The Joey and Senior Choirs have received high commendations and places in state Eisteddfods, becoming an intrinsic part of the school culture and a source of pride to the whole community of Kangaroo Flat. Many of her singers graduate into the Bendigo Youth Choir which Merle has conducted for fourteen years.