Award Winning

The awards kept coming for Wenona and its Principal in 2022.

Success rarely comes without the support of many. In response to the news of the numerous awards and nominations received by the School this year, Dr Scott was quick to reference a favourite phrase from Christian African philosopher J.S.Mbiti: ‘I am because we are; and since we are therefore I am’.

The Australian Education Awards (AEA), the leading national independent awards event for the Kindergarten to Year 12 sector, named Dr Scott School Principal of the Year (non government) at a gala dinner in August. Her citation read in part: ‘Dr Scott’s leadership is characterised by exceptional guidance and care, particularly towards those experiencing hardship and challenge. She is unapologetic in creating a School environment that empowers girls and young women, engendering the strength of character, agency and leadership skills required to serve and shape their world. Her leadership approach is driven by a belief in the power of kindness and compassionate action, and built on a practice of deep listening to the narratives of others.’

Wenona educators and programs were nominated in three further categories:

Best STEM Program (non-government): quality STEM programming is a core Wenona focus and the number of our students choosing STEM-related electives has increased four-fold over the last five years. Initiatives include our Stage 6 Engineering class, Biotechnology Unit, integrated Year 12 Biology ‘skills lab’ and partnership with the University of Sydney and Amgen. The School has also introduced staff mentoring and coaching opportunities and grants and fellowships, further lifting the profile and delivery of STEM learning.

Boarding School of the Year (non-government): Wenona Boarding was named an Awardee not only for its delivery of outstanding residential care for students and their families over many years but for its exceptional stewardship during the pandemic. Wenona boarding staff are renowned for creating a loving, caring culture where every student feels known and valued. This focus was redoubled during the stressful conditions wrought by COVID-19, with online meetings, personal phone calls from the Head of Boarding, and wonderfully engaging student projects to remind boarders of their valued place in a family beyond their own home.

Secondary School Teacher of the Year (non-government)

Natasha Isbel: Wenona’s Middle School Head of Teaching and Learning Ms Natasha Isbel, is a former practising lawyer. She was recognised for her high-quality teaching practice, her students’ impressive results, and her exceptional ability to provide targeted feedback. Ms Isbel’s work to boost literacy in the Middle School through the development and implementation of a Foundation Skills class, was also noted. More acknowledgement came for Dr Scott in late September, when she was named one of the five most powerful people in the Australian education sector, on the Australian Financial Review’s (AFR) Power List.

An extract from the AFR article reads: ‘It’s been said that the way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them. Earlier this year, Scott, who is principal of Wenona School in North Sydney, railed against the baseless attacks and misinformed opinions by politicians about the teaching profession … With so many parents attuned to her deeply personal yet universal message, perhaps it’s time for politicians to sit up and take note.’

A number of Wenona staff received recognition in the form of Fellowships and Seeding Grants at the annual Board of Governors’ Dinner on 12 August:

Head of Visual Arts Ms Michele Brennan was awarded a Wenona Teaching Fellowship to progress Visual Arts instruction through a journey to Florence, Italy.

Kindergarten to Year 2 Coordinator and Year 2 Teacher Ms Kimberley Peck, received a Wenona Teaching Fellowship to experience the celebrated education system of Finland.

Food Technology Assistant Ms Karly Camilleri received a Wenona Teaching Fellowship and will complete a Bachelor of Education at Charles Sturt University.

Junior School Teacher Librarian Ms Tracey Porter, received a Wenona Seeding Grant to examine the librarian’s role within the context of the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Program curriculum framework.