Australian Education Awards 2020 Commemorative Guide

COMMEMORATIVE GUIDE

Award sponsors

Official publication

Organised by

www.educatorawards.com

STAY UPDATED. STAY INFORMED. The latest news and information for the education sector anytime, anywhere REAL-TIME WEB SERVICE

Breaking news, education leadership and management best practice, as well as interviews with the finest minds in education

DAILY E-NEWSLETTER Daily news service delivered straight to your inbox every morning

Find out more and subscribe at

2

www.educatorawards.com

www.theeducatoronline.com

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

A WORD FROM KEY MEDIA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SCHOOL AWARDS Primary School of the Year – Government

ON BEHALF of The Educator, I would like to thank everyone who attended the third annual Australian Education Awards presented by Key Media.

For the past three years, this has been the premier awards event recognising and celebrating the inspirational and tireless work being done by principals, deputies, teachers and department heads across Australia.

Throughout the tempestuous year that was 2020, Australia’s educators guided students through radical changes, putting their health on the line to carry out the critical job of teaching during a time of historic disruption and upheaval.

On 23 November, more than 500 principals, department heads and teachers tuned in to the 2020 Australian Education Awards from the comfort of their homes to watch panel discussions led by our expert nominees.

At the virtual awards ceremony, awards were presented in 25 categories – the most ever!

– highlighting the best in educational innovation, leadership and excellence.

We wholeheartedly thank you for joining us at this year’s event, and hope you enjoyed the virtual experience.

BRETT HENEBERY Editor, The Educator

8

Primary School of the Year – Non-Government

8

Secondary School of the Year – Government

9

Secondary School of the Year – Non-Government

10

Boarding School of the Year

10

Regional School of the Year

10

Special Education School of the Year

11

Best School Strategic Plan

11

Best Student Wellbeing Program

12

Best Professional Learning Program

12

Primary School Principal of the Year – Government

12

Primary School Principal of the Year – Non-Government

13

School Principal of the Year – Government

13

School Principal of the Year – Non-Government

14

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Education Rising Star of the Year

14

Department Head of the Year

15

Teachers Mutual Bank Award for Teacher of the Year – Primary School

16

Teachers Mutual Bank Award for Teacher of the Year – Secondary School

16

CURRICULUM AWARDS Best Co-Curricular Program

17

Best STEM Program

17

Best Use of Technology

18

Innovation in Curriculum Design

19

Innovation in Learning Environment Design

19

The Edval Award for Australian School of the Year

20

Australian School Principal of the Year

21

NATIONAL AWARDS

www.educatorawards.com

3

AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION

SECTOR PROVES ITS RESILIENCE The Australian Education Awards 2020 celebrated the schools and individuals at the cutting edge of educational excellence in a year like no other

led

4

2020 WAS a year that many of us would like to forget for obvious reasons, but amid the catastrophic bushfires, crippling droughts and the global COVID-19 pandemic, Australia’s teachers and education leaders led by example, demonstrating just how resilient and adaptive they really are in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Against extraordinary odds during the world’s first globally synchronised lockdown and ‘economic hibernation’, Australia’s educators guided students through radical changes to their school lives, and innovated throughout the at-home learning periods to develop new ways of approaching education.

www.educatorawards.com

While not every education story to hit the front pages in 2020 was a positive one, there were countless examples that showed why there is far more to celebrate in Australian education than to frown upon.

Celebrating success The Educator’s third annual Australian Education Awards was one shining example of the best of what Australian education had to offer in 2020.

On 23 November, more than 500 principals, department heads and teachers tuned in from home to put a tumultuous year behind them and share in the excitement as the sector celebrated the schools and individuals at the cutting edge of educational excellence.

Comedy extraordinaire Lawrence ‘Moonman’ Mooney kicked off the proceedings at 3.45pm, followed by a pair of sponsor-moderated virtual panel discussions that featured finalists for Teacher of the

METHODOLOGY PROCESS

Year in the primary and secondary school awards categories.

At 5pm, the main event that everyone had been waiting for arrived and awards were presented in 25 categories, recognising the work of the schools and individuals that had made their mark on the education sector during what was an extraordinary year.

After much anticipation, Donna Wright, head of Bandiana Primary School in Victoria, was revealed as the Australian School Principal of the Year, and Gawura School (St Andrew’s Cathedral) was named winner of the inaugural Australian School of the Year award.

Meanwhile, Marsden State High School picked up six trophies on the night, winning the categories of Secondary School of the Year (Government), Best Professional Learning Program and School Principal of the Year (Government), and also bagging excellence awards in the categories of Teachers Mutual Bank Teacher of the Year (Secondary School), Best School Strategic Plan and Best Student Wellbeing Program.

Finally, in a hotly contested category, Amy Young, HSIE teacher at Cowra High School,

took home the trophy for Education Rising Star of the Year.

Australian Principal of the Year winner Donna Wright said the work of educators was to ensure future generations were successful in the modern world.

“With school closures, online learning, and educational and world disarray, 2020 has taught me that we must be stoic, resilient and empathetic,” Wright told The Educator.

Wright said 2020 also showed that principals must work collaboratively to secure the social and economic future of their communities.

“Our schools are an integral part of the lives of children, and this year has reinforced how important it is to be optimistic to protect their dreams,” she said.

“Successful schools are critical to the development of successful individuals, families and societies. I thank every education worker for their participation in this important role.”

Recognising the changemakers Sponsoring the Teacher of the Year (Primary School) and Teacher of the Year (Secondary

“I believe our teachers and principals have a new understanding of their own resilience and how to maintain it even in the most challenging circumstances”

A nationwide call for nominations is conducted from February to March 2020 using The Educator’s print and online channels. This is followed by research and selection of finalists and confirmation of the finalists in each category (except Australian School of the Year and Australian School Principal of the Year). The finalists are then invited to complete an official submission, which is forwarded to an independent judging panel. The judges reviews the finalist submissions and allocate a score for each finalist. The winners in each category are then announced at the Australian Education Awards official gala event and awards ceremony.

CATEGORIES Awards were presented in 25 categories and comprised national, individual, school and curriculum awards. Both Government and Non-Government schools and educators were recognised, as well as schools delivering special education and offering boarding facilities.

Award categories included Australian School of the Year, School Principal of the Year, Department Head of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Best STEM Program, Best Technology Program and Best Wellbeing Program.

KEY DATES • 12 March 2020 Nominations began flowing in for the Australian Education Awards 2020 • 1 June 2020 The Educator announced the finalists of the Australian Education Awards • 23 November 2020 The Australian Education Awards 2020 ceremony was streamed live • 27 November 2020 The Australian Education Award winners were announced/published

CONOR KIERNAN, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Teachers Mutual Bank

www.educatorawards.com

5

School) Awards was Teachers Mutual Bank, which noted the impressive way that educators responded to the immense challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“2020 has been a challenging year for us all, and especially for the education community as our principals, teachers and students have had to respond to so much change and uncertainty caused by COVID-19,” Conor Kiernan, stakeholder engagement manager at Teachers Mutual Bank told The Educator.

“I believe the key learning has been the agility and adaptability with which educators transitioned from face-to-face to online learning”.

Kiernan said this would result in new boundaries being set, as well as a greater willingness to try different methods of sharing knowledge in the years to come.

“In addition, I believe our teachers and principals have a new understanding of their own resilience and how to maintain it even in

the most challenging circumstances,” he said. “I congratulate our entire education community for what they have accomplished this year.”

Michael Emmanuel, group managing director at Edval Education, said sponsoring the Australian School of the Year award was “another opportunity for us to show our support to the community that we serve”.

“In a year that has been like no other, for reasons that are largely filled with loss, grief, stress and sickness, there has never been a more important time in recent history to celebrate the amazing feats that our schools have achieved over 2020,” Emmanuel told The Educator.

“The sheer volume of forced change that has been inflicted onto schools and classroom teachers has been immense, and I think it’s safe to say that the community needs some ‘wins’ beyond the everyday success that happens in each classroom each day.”

The Australian Education Awards 2020 were produced by Key Media – the organisation behind The Educator. Thank you to everybody who joined the celebration, and huge congratulations to all winners, excellence award recipients and nominees

6

www.educatorawards.com

A LOOK BACK: THE 2019 AWARD WINNERS CURRICULUM AWARDS Best Co-Curricular Program Gold winner: St Andrew’s Anglican College

Regional School of the Year Gold winner: Kangaroo Island Community Education

Best STEM Program Gold winner: Taminmin College

School Principal of the Year – Government Gold winner: Tim Lloyd, Plumpton High School

Special Education School of the Year Gold winner: Giant Steps

JB Hi-Fi Solutions School Principal of the Year – Non-Government

Gold winner: Callaghan College

Smart Teachers Best School Strategic Plan

Gold winner: Derek Scott, Haileybury

Innovation in Curriculum Design

Gold winner: Saint Stephen’s College, Coomera

Department Head of the Year

Teachers Mutual Bank Best Use of Technology

Gold winner: Ormiston College

Innovation in Learning Environment Design Gold winner: Redeemer Lutheran School, Nuriootpa

Best Student Wellbeing Program Gold winner: Mount View High School

The Educator Education Rising Star of the Year

Special Education School of the Year

Gold winner: Lisa Scobie, Kurri Kurri High School

Gold winner: Mount View High School

Innovation in Curriculum Design Gold winner: Ormiston College

Gold winner: Jason Fischer, Haileybury

Best Professional Learning Program

Teachers Mutual Bank Teacher of the Year

Gold winner: Haileybury

Gold winner: Tony Vallance, Lilydale High School

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

NATIONAL AWARDS

SCHOOL AWARDS Sound Scouts Primary School of the Year – Government Gold winner: Blue Haven Public School

Primary School of the Year – Non-Government

Primary School Principal of the Year – Government Gold winner: Paul McDermott, Blue Haven Public School

Gold Winner: St Paul’s School

Primary School Principal of the Year – Non-Government

Secondary School of the Year – Government

Gold winner: Sally Ruston, Abbotsleigh

Gold winner: Liverpool Boys High School

Compass Education Australian School of the Year Gold winner: St Paul’s School

Microsoft Education Australian School Principal of the Year Gold winner: Derek Scott, Haileybury Highly commended: Paul McDermott, Blue Haven Public School

Civica Secondary School of the Year – Non-Government Gold winner: Ballarat Clarendon College

Boarding School of the Year Gold winner: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School and Wesley College, Perth

“Our schools are an integral part of the lives of children, and this year has reinforced how important it is to be optimistic to protect their dreams” DONNA WRIGHT, Bandiana Primary School principal/Australian School Principal of the Year

www.educatorawards.com

7

PRIMARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR – GOVERNMENT

This award recognises the most outstanding government primary school in Australia. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered: • Consistently high standards of teaching and learning • Academic and other achievements during the 2019 school year • Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery • Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community • Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources • Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement This award is open to all government primary schools in Australia.

GO LD WINNER

Fairy Meadow Demonstration School EXCELLENCE AWARDS Beenleigh State School Glendore Public School Kempsey South Public School Piara Waters Primary School

8

www.educatorawards.com

EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER

PRIMARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR – NON-GOVERNMENT 2020

AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION AWARDS ELLENCE AWARD EXC

Piara Waters Primary School ‘CREATING CRITICAL and Creative Lifelong Learners’ is the core vision underpinning Piara Waters Primary School’s approach to preparing children for the jobs of the future. Grounded in research, the school’s ‘Contemporary Learning Framework’ focuses on four key areas of engagement.

First, ‘Engaged Learners’ are those who collaborate, accept challenges, create, are community focused and are inspired.

Second, ‘Engaged Teachers’ commit to teaching that is sequential, developmental and explicit. They demonstrate high levels of ‘collective teacher efficacy’, scaffold contemporary learning environments, and provide specific feedback on students’ learning. Third, ‘Engaged Leaders’ believe they are agents of change and leaders of learning. They strive for excellence, are adaptive and lead through data. Finally, ‘Engaged Parents’ are learning focused, encouraging and proactive partners with the school.

As a whole, the school’s ‘Contemporary Learning Framework’ serves as a culture to support its three priority areas of Literacy, Numeracy and ICT General Capabilities. Regular analysis of data provides stimulus for ‘disciplined dialogue’, enhancing teacher practice and improving student outcomes. The school’s performance data highlights significant student progress in all of these priority curriculum areas.

Piara Waters Primary School is a lighthouse school proudly supporting education professionals in achieving better student outcomes across the education system locally, nationally and globally.

This award recognises the most outstanding non-government primary school in Australia. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered: • Consistently high standards of teaching and learning • Academic and other achievements during the 2019 school year • Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery • Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community • Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources • Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement This award is open to all nongovernment primary schools in Australia.

GOLD WINNER

Haileybury EXCELLENCE AWARDS Ballarat Clarendon College Junior School Ormiston College St Paul’s School

SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR – GOVERNMENT

This award recognises the most outstanding government secondary school in Australia. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered: • Consistently high standards of teaching and learning • Academic and other achievements during the 2019 school year • Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery • Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community • Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources • Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement This award is open to all government secondary schools in Australia.

GOLD WINNER

Marsden State High School EXCELLENCE AWARDS Liverpool Boys High School Maryborough State High School Plumpton High School

ABOUT THE GOLD WINNER

Marsden State High School MARSDEN STATE High School is an outstanding school with an excellent reputation. Since 1987, it has come to symbolise high-quality public school education in the Logan area. Marsden SHS has grown to become Queensland’s third-largest state high school, with a strong focus on excellence across the curriculum.

In 2020, Marsden SHS was awarded a record three Australian Education Awards for Government School of the Year, School Principal of the Year and Professional Learning Program of the Year, along with a further three Excellence Awards for Best Strategic Plan, Best Student Wellbeing Program and Teacher of the Year.

Marsden SHS’s school culture is founded on high performance expectations and personalised attention.

The core values of persistence, passion and pride underpin everything that makes Marsden SHS so unique.

The school offers a comprehensive learning environment led by passionate and engaging staff working together to deliver outstanding achievements across the academic, sporting, cultural and creative industries fields.

Marsden SHS’s balanced approach – between respecting proud traditions and stimulating innovation and progress – continues to bring great benefits to the wider Logan community. The school is recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in education.

This is an innovative, proud and culturally vibrant school community in which all students are challenged to work towards the vision ‘Dare to Inspire… Make a Difference’!

www.educatorawards.com

9

SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR – NON-GOVERNMENT

BOARDING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

This award recognises the most outstanding government primary school in Australia. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

This award recognises the most outstanding boarding school in Australia. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• Consistently high standards of teaching and learning • Academic and other achievements during the 2019 school year • Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery • Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community • Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources • Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement

• Consistently high standards of teaching and learning • Academic and other achievements during the 2019 school year • Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery • Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community • Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources • Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement • Provision of a supportive home environment focused on student wellbeing

This award is open to all nongovernment secondary schools in Australia.

GO LD WINNER

Ballarat Clarendon College

This award recognises the most outstanding school in a regional or rural area in Australia. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered: • Consistently high standards of teaching and learning • Academic and other achievements during the 2019 school year • Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery • Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community • Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources • Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement

This award is open to all schools providing boarding facilities in Australia.

This award is open to all schools in Australia that are located outside of major capital cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra).

GO LD WINNER

GO LD WINNER

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

Kangaroo Island Community Education

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Ormiston College

Immanuel College

Maryborough State High School

St Paul’s School

St Ursula’s College, Toowoomba

St Patrick’s College Townsville

Toorak College

The Scots School Albury

The Scots School Albury

Toorak College

10

REGIONAL SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

www.educatorawards.com

SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

BEST SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN

This award recognises the most outstanding school in Australia that provides care and education to students with special needs. When judging this award the following criteria will be considered:

This award recognises the best strategic plan developed by a school in Australia.

The plan can apply schoolwide or to a specific project. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• Consistently high standards of teaching and learning • Academic and other achievements during the 2019 school year • Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery • Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community • Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources • Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement

• Consultation and engagement with the school community • Demonstrated strategic development of the plan to ensure it meets defined school needs and business objectives • Implementation process that includes clear priorities and goals in defined time frames • Results and progress to date

GO LD WINNER

GO LD WINNER

Gawura School

(St Andrew’s Cathedral School)

All Saints’ College, Perth

EXCELLENCE AWARD

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Giant Steps Sydney

Kurri Kurri High School – Strategic Stages Marsden State High School – whole-school strategic plan Ormiston College

www.educatorawards.com

11

BEST STUDENT WELLBEING PROGRAM

BEST PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM

PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR — GOVERNMENT

This award recognises the most outstanding program or initiative developed by a school in Australia to improve student health and wellbeing.

The program or initiative can apply to the entire school or a targeted group of students. When judging this award the following criteria will be considered:

This award recognises the most outstanding professional (staff ) learning and development program or initiative implemented in an Australian school. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

This award recognises the most outstanding principal of a government primary school in Australia. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• Innovation and excellence in program design and delivery • Integration of wellbeing into students’ overall learning and education • Contribution to improved student learning outcomes • Effective collaboration, reflection and feedback

GO LD WINNER

Mooroopna Park Primary School

• Innovation and excellence in program design and delivery • Demonstrated support for individual professional learning and links to individual and schoolwide learning priorities • Contribution to improved student learning outcomes • Effective collaboration, reflection and feedback

• Effective leadership and motivation of staff • Commitment to professional development (self and staff ) • Academic and other achievements during the 2019 school year • Leadership of innovation and change within the school • Engagement with parents and the wider school community This award is open to all principals currently employed in a public primary school in Australia. Nominees must be in the role of principal at the time of nomination. Acting principals who have acted in the role for a continuous period of more than 12 months are also eligible for this award.

GO LD WINNER

Marsden State High School

GO LD WINNER

Donna Wright

Bandiana Primary School

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Haileybury

Caringbah North, Jannali, Miranda North Public Schools

Adam Knights Beenleigh State School

Genazzano FCJ College

Julie Murphy Elizabeth Vale Primary School

Haileybury

Khalil Khay Glendore Public School

Kempsey South Public School Marsden State High School

Maria Green Oakdale Public School

12

www.educatorawards.com

PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR — NON-GOVERNMENT

SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR – GOVERNMENT

This award recognises the most outstanding principal of a government primary school in Australia. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

This award recognises the most outstanding principal of a government secondary or K-12 school in Australia.

When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• Effective leadership and motivation of staff • Commitment to professional development (self and staff ) • Academic and other achievements during the 2019 school year • Leadership of innovation and change within the school • Engagement with parents and the wider school community

• Effective leadership and motivation of staff • Commitment to professional development (self and staff ) • Academic and other achievements during the 2019 school year • Leadership of innovation and change within the school • Engagement with parents and the wider school community

This award is open to all principals currently employed in a non-government primary school in Australia. Nominees must be in the role of principal at the time of nomination. Acting principals who have acted in the role for a continuous period of more than 12 months are also eligible for this award.

This award is open to all principals currently employed in a public secondary or K-12 school in Australia. Nominees must be in the role of principal at the time of nomination. Acting principals who have acted in the role for a continuous period of more than 12 months are also eligible for this award.

GO LD WINNER

GO LD WINNER

Grenville Green Haileybury

Andrew Peach

Marsden State High School

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Kerrie Nelson Giant Steps Australia

Chad Bliss Orange High School

Nicolee Eiby Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School, Ipswich Junior Grammar School

Khalil Khay Glendore Public School

Will Wallace Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School

Maxine McSherry Kangaroo Island Community Education Stella Jinman Cecil Andrews College, Perth

www.educatorawards.com

13

SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR — NON-GOVERNMENT This award recognises the most outstanding principal of a nongovernment secondary or K-12 school in Australia. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered: • Effective leadership and motivation of staff • Commitment to professional development (self and staff ) • Academic and other achievements during the 2019 school year • Leadership of innovation and change within the school • Engagement with parents and the wider school community This award is open to all principals currently employed in a nongovernment secondary or K-12 school in Australia. Nominees must be in the role of principal at the time of nomination.

Acting principals who have acted in the role for a continuous period of more than 12 months are also eligible for this award.

GO LD WINNER

Kerrie Nelson

Giant Steps Australia

EXCELLENCE AWARDS Karen Jebb Genazzano FCJ College Kristy Kendall Toorak College Ros Curtis St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

14

www.educatorawards.com

ABOUT THE GOLD WINNER

Kerrie Nelson

Giant Steps Australia KERRIE NELSON holds Master’s degrees in Education and Special Education. She has more than 40 years’ experience in the disability sector and has served as the Principal of Giant Steps Australia since 2005.

During her career, Nelson has been principal of three schools and has worked across age groups ranging from early learning through school-aged children to adult education.

Nelson’s particular areas of interest are educational management and leadership, with a focus on developing organisational structures that allow the organisation to be flexible and responsive to the needs of students with complex and highly challenging profiles.

Her leadership, strong community engagement and passion for innovation and evidence-based programs have led the way in increasing student engagement and improving learning outcomes.

Nelson was instrumental in establishing the Autism Training Hub at Giant Steps Australia to meet the demand around professional learning for teachers, educators, professionals, parents and support staff who are working with individuals with autism.

Her lifelong commitment to improving her knowledge and understanding of autism is best demonstrated by her continued focus on excellence and her belief that a challenge can always be met and a better way found.

EDUCATION RISING STAR OF THE YEAR This award recognises the most outstanding teacher in a school in Australia who has been an educator for five years or less. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered: • Positive impact on students’ learning experiences and outcomes • Commitment to professional development and collaboration with colleagues to address students’ learning needs • Engagement with parents and the wider school community • Demonstrated commitment to the education profession and potential to become a future school leader This award is open to all teachers currently employed in a school in Australia. Nominees must have become educators on or after 1 January 2014.

GO LD WINNER

Amy Young

Cowra High School

EXCELLENCE AWARDS Lloyd Godson Hastings Secondary College Melissa Allen Haileybury Parris Laurie Mater Dei College

DEPARTMENT HEAD OF THE YEAR

This award recognises the most outstanding department head in a school in Australia. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered: • Demonstrated commitment and drive to lead • Consistently high standards of teaching • Leadership of innovation and improvement in curriculum delivery and student learning • Commitment to professional development and collaboration with colleagues to address student learning needs • Engagement with parents and the wider school community This award is open to all department heads currently employed in a school in Australia. Nominees must be in the role of department head at the time of nomination. Acting department heads who have acted in the role for a continuous period of more than 12 months are also eligible for this award.

GO LD WINNER

Samantha Reynolds Saint Stephen’s College

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER

2020

AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION AWARDS ELLENCE AWARD EXC

Scott Dirix

Indie School Elizabeth SCOTT DIRIX is the multi-awardwinning head of school at Indie School Elizabeth, which offers an innovative alternative learning program in Adelaide’s northern suburbs that caters for disengaged and at-risk young people. Previously, he was the founder and senior leader of alternative programs at Salisbury East High School. Dirix leads an innovative multidisciplinary team in enacting an educational vision underpinned by principles of collaboration, wellbeing, staff and student agency, curriculum innovation, inclusion and community partnership.

He has received awards at both state and national level, winning both the Commonwealth Bank Teaching Award and the Schools Plus Fellowship in 2020. He was the winner of the 2017 Department of Education Innovation in Practice award in SA, and was named Adolescent Success Middle Years Leader of the Year in 2019. Dirix was also an ACEL New Voice Scholarship recipient in 2019.

Iain Taylor Saint Stephen’s College Michael Ha Hillcrest Christian College Scott Dirix Indie School Elizabeth

www.educatorawards.com

15

TEACHERS MUTUAL BANK AWARD FOR TEACHER OF THE YEAR — PRIMARY SCHOOL

TEACHERS MUTUAL BANK AWARD FOR TEACHER OF THE YEAR — SECONDARY SCHOOL

This award recognises the most outstanding primary school teacher in an Australian school. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

This award recognises the most outstanding secondary school teacher in an Australian school. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• Consistently high standards of teaching • Innovation in developing students and supporting their learning • Commitment to professional development and collaboration with colleagues to address student learning needs • Engagement with parents and the wider school community

• Consistently high standards of teaching • Innovation in developing students and supporting their learning • Commitment to professional development and collaboration with colleagues to address student learning needs • Engagement with parents and the wider school community

This award is open to all primary school teachers currently employed in a school in Australia. Nominees must be in the role of teacher at the time of nomination.

This award is open to all secondary school teachers currently employed in a school in Australia. Nominees must be in the role of teacher at the time of nomination.

GO LD WINNER

Carla Gagliano Masada College

16

GO LD WINNER

Samantha Reynolds Saint Stephen’s College

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Michelle Breen Trinity Anglican School

Ben Peacock St Philip’s Christian College Cessnock

Michelle Richardson The Knox School

Fiona Pennisi-Mitchell Marsden State High School

Wendy Murphy Kingswood South Public School

Kate Brown Toorak College

www.educatorawards.com

AWARD SPONSOR

TEACHERS MUTUAL BANK has been dedicated to helping Australian education sector employees and their families secure their financial futures for over 50 years. We’re more than just a bank; we’re a market leader in member advocacy in the Australian banking sector and are committed to strong standards of corporate responsibility through community investment and ethical business.

Contact: Ali Coleman, Sponsorship Specialist E: AColeman@tmbl.com.au D: (02) 8869 4708 M: 0429 320 244

BEST CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM

This award recognises the most outstanding co-curricular program or initiative developed by a school in Australia, including special needs support programs. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered: • Objectives of the co-curricular program and how it supports classroom learning • Variety and scope of the co-curricular program • Degree of student participation and engagement with the program and its effectiveness in developing personal skills • Evidence of stakeholder consultation and feedback

GO LD WINNER

BEST STEM PROGRAM

This award recognises the most outstanding STEM-based project or education program implemented by a school in Australia. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered: • Demonstrated school leadership and support of STEM education • Consistently high standards of STEM teaching • Staff participation in professional learning and collaboration to improve STEM education • Evidence of student engagement and outcomes in the 2019 school year

GO LD WINNER

St Andrew’s Anglican College

Saint Stephen’s College

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Brighton Grammar – School Year 9/10 B2M Program

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

Maryborough State High School – Fraser Pop Festival

St Patrick’s College Townsville

Plumpton High School

Strathcona Girls Grammar – All Aboard the Tinker Train

www.educatorawards.com

17

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY

This award recognises excellence in the use of education technology by an Australian school. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

ABOUT THE GOLD WINNER

• How the technology has fulfilled a need inside or outside the classroom • Impact of the technology on the school • Change management and implementation process • Evidence the technology has supported student learning outcomes

Aurora College

GO LD WINNER

Aurora College

EXCELLENCE AWARDS Haileybury Ormiston College Southport State High Independent Public School

18

www.educatorawards.com

AURORA COLLEGE is the NSW Department of Education’s virtual school for rural and remote students.

Since 2015, Aurora has been providing innovative, flexible learning in a whole new context by allowing students to connect locally and learn globally. Aurora provides a mix of online and residential school classes. Students connect with their teachers and classmates in timetabled lessons through a cutting-edge virtual learning environment that comprises web conferencing software, a learning management system, and a range of online communication and collaboration tools. Aurora College offers: • Year 5 and 6 students Opportunity Class lessons in mathematics, science and technology • Year 7 to 10 students Selective School classes in English, maths and science • Year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to study one or more Preliminary and/or Higher School Certificate subjects that may not be available at their local school Aurora College’s vision is to develop students who are not only at ease in the digital world but empowered by their knowledge, skills and creativity to become influential contributors to the knowledge economies of this century. Aurora offers mentoring opportunities and masterclasses through innovative partnerships with businesses and scientific, cultural and tertiary education institutions.

INNOVATION IN CURRICULUM DESIGN

This award recognises excellence in curriculum design in an Australian school. The innovation can be schoolwide or subject-specific. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered: • Consultation and engagement to determine the need for innovation • Stakeholder engagement and school community consultation in the design process • Strong leadership at all levels to support innovation • Change management and implementation process • Evaluation of the impact on student learning

INNOVATION IN LEARNING ENVIRONMENT DESIGN

This award recognises excellence in the design of a student learning environment in an Australian school.

When judging this category the following criteria will be considered: • Consultation and engagement to determine the need for innovation • Stakeholder engagement and school community consultation in the design process • How the learning environment reflects pedagogy • Change management and implementation process to transition into the new space • Evaluation of the effectiveness of the learning environment To be eligible the project must have been completed in 2019.

GO LD WINNER

Southport State High Independent Public School

GO LD WINNER

Queensland Department of Education Youth Engagement Team

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Carey Baptist Grammar School – Creative Silicon Chips

Ormiston College

Liverpool Boys High School Toorak College – Project Illuminate

St Luke’s Catholic College Trinity Lutheran College – Senior Learning Precinct

www.educatorawards.com

19

THE EDVAL AWARD FOR AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL OF THE YEAR This award recognises the most outstanding school in Australia. The finalists in this category will comprise the winners of the following categories: • Primary School of the Year – Government • Primary School of the Year – Non-Government • Secondary School of the Year – Government • Secondary School of the Year – Non-Government • Special Education School of the Year When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered: • Consistently high standards of teaching and learning • Academic and other achievements during the 2019 school year • Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery • Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community • Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources • Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement

GO LD WINNER

Gawura School

(St Andrew’s Cathedral School)

20

www.educatorawards.com

AWARD SPONSOR

EXPERTS IN the art of timetabling, Edval Education has been focused on solutions-based software and services for school timetabling for over 20 years. We aim to help schools get better outcomes for teachers and students through smarter timetabling.

A trusted provider of unparalleled software, timetable solutions and support, we listen to our customers, creating innovative software based on their needs and requirements.

Edval’s powerful algorithms set our products apart and produce optimised timetables of high quality. For smarter timetabling in your school, just Edval it.

To learn more about our software and services, visit edval.education.

Contact: Donna Machado E: sales@edval.education P: +61 2 8203 5455

AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR This award recognises the most outstanding school in Australia. The finalists in this category will comprise the winners of the following categories: • Primary School of the Year – Government • Primary School of the Year – Non-Government • Secondary School of the Year – Government • Secondary School of the Year – Non-Government • Special Education School of the Year When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered: • Effective leadership and motivation of staff • Commitment to professional development (self and staff ) • Academic and other achievements during the 2019 school year • Leadership of innovation and change within the school • Engagement with parents and the wider school community

ABOUT THE GO LD WINNER

Donna Wright

Bandiana Primary School DONNA WRIGHT received the Australian

GO LD WINNER

Donna Wright

Bandiana Primary School

School Government Primary Principal of the Year and Australian School Principal of the Year awards for her outstanding achievements. She demonstrates effective leadership, the motivation of staff, and a commitment to professional development, and her students have gained the benefits, achieving positive academic and wellbeing outcomes.

Wright’s Bandiana Primary School is capped at 275 students and is currently well oversubscribed. Her community supports her school programs that extend all children under the motto ‘Ever My Best’. She has also received the Victorian Principal Association Study Award (2019) for contributing to education research and community and school partnerships.

Wright encourages her staff to expand their skills, and she has completed a Master of Education degree, a Graduate

Diploma in Student Welfare, and a Bachelor of Laws. Her school was a finalist in the Victorian Awards for Provision for High Potential Students (2019), reflecting its staff’s ability to differentiate teaching and learning.

Wright values the development of student skills in the arts. She is a state winner of the prestigious Wakakirri dance festival and was recognised as a Wakakirri National Finalist in 2019.

The judges summarised by saying that Wright leads an inclusive school community. Her key philosophy is to teach children to be the best version of themselves, to be empowered through self-advocacy, to empower others, and to have empathy. She is an excellent communicator and is collaborative and innovative. As principal of Bandiana Primary, Wright is a proud and optimistic member of the education community.

www.educatorawards.com

21

2020 JUDGING PANEL

22

IAN ANDERSON

DYONNE ANDERSON

BETH BLACKWOOD

President, Western Australian Primary Principals Association

Principal, Cabbage Tree Island Public School, and president of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Principals Association

CEO, Association of Heads of Independent, Schools of Australia

LOREN BRIDGE

DARREN COX

STEPHEN DINHAM

Executive officer, Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia

Principal, St Philip’s Christian College

Professor, instructional leadership and associate dean (strategic partnerships), University of Melbourne

MURAT DIZDAR

RACHEL DOWNIE

STEVE FRANCIS

Regional director SW Sydney, NSW Department of Education

Director, Stymie

CEO, Happy School

BRENT HUGHES

MATTHEW JOHNSON

KATH KOSCHEL

Primary maths educator, Matific

National president, Australian Special Education Principals Association

Founder, The Kindness Factory

MARISE MCCONAGHY

NEIL MCDONALD

LILA MULARCZYK OAM, JP

Principal, Strathcona Girls Grammar

CEO, Queensland Education Leadership Institute

Lead professional learning, UNSW Gonski Institute

www.educatorawards.com

Thank you to our esteemed judges for lending their time and expertise to help recognise and celebrate excellence in the education profession

KAREN MUNDINE

CHRIS NEWCOMBE

ANDREW PEACH

CEO, Reconciliation Australia

Head of programs and publications, Australian Council for Education Leaders

Principal, Marsden State High School

CRAIG PETERSEN

LORETTA PIAZZA

CHRIS RAMSDEN

President, NSW Secondary Principals’ Council

Principal, Meadowglen Primary School

Contemporary capabilities consultant, Mind Lab Australia

DAVID ROBERTSON

DAVID ROY

PASI SAHLBERG

Executive director, Independent Schools Queensland

Lecturer in education, University of Newcastle

Professor of educational policy and deputy director, Gonski Institute for Education

PHIL SEYMOUR

RICHARD STOKES

TAMARA SULLIVAN

President, NSW Primary Principals’ Association, and deputy president, Australian Primary Principals’ Association

CEO, Australian Boarding Schools Association

Deputy principal, Inner City South Secondary College

PAUL TAYLOR

LYNDAL WILSON

TYSON WOOD

NICHOLAS WYMAN

Principal, Banora Point Primary School

Senior consultant, Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia

Company manager, Smart Teachers

CEO, Skilling Australia Foundation

www.educatorawards.com

23

Award sponsors

Official publication

Organised by

www.educatorawards.com 24

www.educatorawards.com