A school principal named as the public service employee of the year said his award was “great recognition of the work we, as educators and public officers, do daily”.

Todd Fox, principal of Francis Patton Primary School who was named the Public Service Excellence Award Employee of the Year, also humbly admits reliability, problem-solving and communication skills which helped him earn the honour were learnt from colleagues over the years.

“It is so inspiring and such a tremendous honour to win. Many public officers are doing such great things on behalf of our island and it is a humbling experience for me to be considered alongside them, and be honoured with this award,” said Mr Fox.

“This award is great recognition of the work we, as educators and public officers, do daily. I am very proud and grateful to Cabinet Office for recognising our amazing work.

“I like to think that I am a reliable, good team member who is adept at problem-solving. I can communicate clearly and effectively which are skills I have learnt from my colleagues over the years.

“I am also a husband and father of three, a son and twin daughters, which helps me tremendously as I understand first-hand what parents are going through.

“I can emphasise with parents as they try to balance their children’s educational journeys and family responsibilities.”

He said it was important for educators to remember why they entered their profession which should be “for the betterment of our students and our island”.

Asked what advice he would give to other teachers striving for greatness, Mr Fox added: “To anyone looking to impact our students positively, you have to be a good team mate and synergise well with students, parents and the wider community. Furthermore, we should all strive to be effective communicators.”

Mr Fox won the inaugural prize ahead of four other shortlisted civil servants – Stacy Evans from the Ministry of Transport; Ashjuana Thomas from the Department of Employee and Organisational Development; Sheridan Ming from the Department of Lands; and Roger Parris from the Department of Parks.

David Burt said Mr Fox “demonstrated his dedication to raising future leaders of Bermuda with a conscientious outlook on society and all its members”.