Sarah L Fielding
May 2026
Sarah L
Fielding
,
RN
School Health Nurse Program
Department for Education, Children and Young People
Burnie
,
TAS
Australia
Sarah consistently demonstrates compassionate nursing, clinical excellence, and unwavering advocacy for young people.
As the Assistant Principal, Wellbeing Lead, and Safeguarding Lead, I am pleased to nominate Sarah Fielding, Health Nurse Leader, for the DECYP DAISY Award. In a role where student safety, care, and timely decision-making are critical, Sarah consistently demonstrates compassionate nursing, clinical excellence, and unwavering advocacy for young people. Her work strengthens our student wellbeing framework every day—supporting students, families, residential staff, and the broader school community with professionalism, warmth, and integrity.

As a key member of the Student Wellbeing Team, Sarah provides leadership and clinical oversight across a complex residential environment supporting 76 student residences. This work demands advanced assessment skills, sound clinical judgment, effective risk management, and strong coordination across multiple services. Sarah manages acute presentations and ongoing health needs with equal care, ensuring timely assessments, clear care plans, and consistent follow‑up. Her safeguarding practice is exemplary; she shares the right information with the right people, at the right time, while upholding confidentiality and student dignity.

Sarah’s practice is deeply person-centered, trauma‑informed, and developmentally appropriate. She takes time to listen, builds rapport with students who may be anxious or reluctant to seek help, and communicates health information in clear, empowering ways. She demonstrates cultural sensitivity and works thoughtfully with students from diverse backgrounds to ensure they feel seen, heard, and supported. In moments of distress, Sarah brings a calm, steady presence, de‑escalates safely, and coordinates support—often preventing further escalation and helping students re‑engage with learning and residential life.

Beyond individual care, Sarah strengthens the systems that keep students safe and well. She develops effective referral pathways, liaises with external health and allied services, and contributes to coordinated responses for complex students and families. A reliable partner in safeguarding, she supports informed risk assessment and ensures health needs are embedded in wellbeing and safety planning. Sarah also mentors staff and wellbeing colleagues, building capability to identify early warning signs, respond appropriately, and communicate effectively.

Notably, Sarah led our College’s application to the Variety Breakfast Club program, securing substantial ongoing funding that continues to enhance student wellbeing. This initiative ensures reliable access to nutritious meals and reduces barriers to engagement, contributing to a healthier and more supported school community.

Highly skilled and dependable, Sarah consistently goes above and beyond to ensure students receive the care they need. She balances clinical excellence with kindness and provides steady leadership in a fast‑paced environment where priorities shift rapidly. As a school leader responsible for wellbeing and safeguarding, I deeply value her judgment, follow‑through, and the trust she has built with students and families. Her impact is evident in improved continuity of care, increased staff confidence, and a school community that knows a capable, compassionate health professional is always available.

For these reasons, I strongly endorse Sarah Fielding as an outstanding recipient of the DECYP DAISY Award.

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This individual is truly kind and compassionate, radiating empathy and experience that make them approachable, relatable, and resourceful. Their dedication to early interventions has had a significant impact, demonstrating exceptional nursing skills and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best health outcomes for children.

They are prompt and proactive, taking timely action to identify and provide solutions, ensuring support when needed. Their presence in our school community is invaluable, and knowing they are available for guidance and assistance brings immense reassurance.
Their contributions deserve recognition, as they continuously go above and beyond to support families and foster well-being in the community.