Mr Loy had no idea he was a nominee for the award that recognises the contribution of teachers that go above and beyond the call of duty for their students.

Gilgai principal Deborah Halliday kept the secret well, and had the students and teachers assemble for what they thought was Eisteddfod practice. 

Instead, Mrs Halliday revealed the award and Mr Loy seemed dazed as he made his way to the front of the room where he was congratulated by Phil Lowrey, the regional sales manager for Office Max.

The prize was a stack of boxes filled with $2000 worth supplies including a high quality printer, art, school and office supplies and an iPad for Mr Loy. 

He looked as excited as a kid himself as he and his students pulled endless items from the boxes.

“It’s very exciting. There’s so much stuff,” he said grinning.

Mr Lowrey said the award package was meant to benefit the teacher and the entire school and felt glad to be a part of the process.

“It is very heart-warming to actually be able to make the presentation,” he said.

Parents and students had nominated Mr Loy, and Mrs Halliday read out the raft of compliments and her pride to have him as a teacher. 

She said it had been wonderful having Mr Loy on the staff for the past three years.

“He is fabulous; absolutely fabulous,” said Mrs Halliday. 

Mr Loy said all the materials would be extremely well-received at the small school and felt humbled by the local support during his three years at Gilgai School.

“I feel really good about it, knowing that I have not only the support of the children, but the rest of the wider community of the school as well,” he said.

“It’s a really great feeling actually.”