We Give Life-Changing Scholarships

2019 Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards for Excellence MC Jane Caro

Welcome Acknowledgement of Country Takesa Frank –

Opening Remarks It’s my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2019 Minister’s David Hetherington and Secretary’s Awards for Excellence. These Awards showcase the wonderful people and extraordinary talent across NSW public education – schools, students, teachers, Minister’s Remarks employees and parents. The Hon Sarah Mitchell MLC Order of Proceedings Minister for Education and Early Childhood The Public Education Foundation’s mission is to celebrate the Learning best of public schooling, and these Awards are a highlight of our annual calendar. The Foundation is proud to host the Awards on behalf of The Honourable Sarah Mitchell MLC, Minister for Tuesday 27 August 2019 Presentations Education and Early Childhood Learning and Mr Mark Scott AO, 4-6pm Minister’s Award for Excellence in Secretary of the NSW Department of Education. Student Achievement Lower Town Hall, Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching You’ll hear today about outstanding achievements and breakthrough initiatives from across the state, from a new data Town Hall sharing system at Bankstown West Public School to a STEM Performance Industry School Partnership spanning three high schools across Listen With Your Heart regional NSW. Performed by Kyra Pollard Finigan School of Distance Education The Foundation recently celebrated our 10th birthday and to mark the occasion, we commissioned a survey of all our previous scholarship winners. We’re proud to report that over Secretary’s Remarks 98% of our eligible scholars have completed Year 12, and of Mark Scott AO these, 72% have progressed onto university. We couldn’t have Secretary, NSW Department of Education achieved these results without the support of the Minister, the Secretary and the Department. Presentations Secretary’s Award for Excellent Service Finally, a reminder that our 2020 scholarship round for primary, secondary and tertiary transition students is now open. Secretary’s Award for an Outstanding We’ve got hundreds of scholarships to award, including new School Initiative scholarships for academic excellence, indigenous and refugee Secretary’s School Achievement Award students and those with a disability. Head to our website and Parent of the Year Award take a look! Enjoy the event and please join us afterwards for afternoon tea. Student Speech India Becroft and Connor Higgins – David Hetherington High School Executive Director, Public Education Foundation Performance Think Performed by Leo Abisaab Northmead Creative and Performing Arts The Public Education Foundation thanks students High School from Cumberland High School who have volunteered their time as ushers at this event. Afternoon Tea served

2 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 3 Award Recipients

Minister’s Awards Minister’s Award for Excellence for Excellence in in Student Teaching Achievement

Recognising teachers who deliver Recognising outstanding Year William Gao Jack Roser Sarah Jones the highest quality education to 12 students who have excelled Penrith High School Cumberland High School Campsie Public School in their secondary years across their students and contribute to academic excellence, sporting, Bhumika Sree Gowda Mia Rowe their professional communities. Paul Karbon Doonside Technology High School cultural, community and Heather Arms leadership. Georgio Hawi Carmen Smith Whitebridge High School Louise Leary Hannah Ahn Beverly Hills Girls High School Campbelltown Performing Arts Ben Barry High School Connor Higgins Thomas Stefanou Ulladulla High School High School Melanie Lever Sarah Al Helfy Robyn Brady Birrong Girls High School Olivia Hughes Ruby Walker Revesby Public School Inverell High School Naomi O'Neill India Becroft High School Alison Buckley Flinders Public School Wagga Wagga High School Ty Hughes Georgia Weston Cowra High School Whitebridge High School Secondary Leslie Pitt Emma Beukers College Kate Caruana The Forest High School The Forest High School Keshna Jeyandrabalan Elderslie Public school Andria Zanotto Alison Pool Penrith High School Elinor Bickerstaff-Westbrook Murrumbidgee Regional High Stephen Davies Cumberland High School Marina Jin The Forest High School School Lara Pope Girraween High School Jackson Blake Samantha Dennis Condell Park Public School Inverell High School Christopher Kim Louise Reynolds Cameron Chang North Tegan Dray Granville East Public School North Sydney Boys High School Orange High School Isabella Lawton Jessica Schulte Jazmine Cooke Galston High School Kipi Fifita Dubbo College Senior Campus Tweed River High School Kate Lintott Glen Smart Rohan Cowley Kathryn Fisher Warilla High School Macintyre High School Ada Luong Wagga Wagga High School Jeffrey Ting Georgia Cunnion Julie Fitzsimons Macintyre High School Elderslie High School Ngan Nguyen Lambton High School Jennie Wilson Negeen Daudi Prairiewood High School Emma Follett Public School Merrylands High School Dewmi Kavya De Silva Bonnet Bay Public School Niamh Elliott-Brennan Paththini Kankanamge Anni Gifford Fort Street High School Lambton High School Takesa Frank Mia Peden Sarah Hunt Ulladulla High School Whitebridge High School Ulladulla High School Amanda Fuiono Thomas Radnedge Emma Hutchinson Rooty Hill High School Orange High School Scarborough Public School

4 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 5 Secretary’s Award Secretary’s Award Secretary’s School Public School for Excellent for Outstanding Achievement Parent Service School Initiative Award of the Year

Recognising NSW Department of The award is presented to NSW Lakes Secondary College This prestigious award Granville East Public School The Public School Parent of the recognises NSW Public Year Award is a prestigious award Education employees (teaching public schools demonstrating – Berkeley Vale Campus, Learning Conversations and non-teaching) who have via a specific program, event or Schools that have successfully presented to parents, guardians Tuggerah Lakes Secondary shown outstanding effort in initiative their commitment to created a sustainable learning and caregivers who have made College – Senior Campus, & Inspiring Success: Building a significant contribution to improving the quality of teaching teaching and learning outcomes, environment through a project. Wadalba Community School a Collaborative Professional their local NSW public school and/or learning outcomes in the leadership, supporting the Schools receiving this award Creating Chances for Central Learning Culture community. NSW Public Education Sector. students and/or creating a must demonstrate significant sustainable learning environment. Coast Schools improvement in learning Cynthia Bacon Jodie Bland outcomes and opportunities, Ambarvale Public School, Liverpool Boys High School Learning through Engagement, Marrickville West Primary School Oran Park Public School Project Based Learning excellence in student learning, Agency and Passion Rosemeadow Public School maximising learning opportunities Boris Baraldi Jodie Brown Revesby South Public School Oak Flats Public School & Thomas Acres Public for all students as well as Schools of the Future 2.0 Curiosity and Powerful Learning School community leadership. Karen Bryant Christine Clancy Prairiewood High School Rooty Hill High School Community Wellbeing Team Auburn North Public School Coffs Harbour High School James Fallon High School Community Inclusion Program of Creativity and Innovation in Auburn North Public School Parents as Partners in Learning Alison Duffield Excellence Capability Driven Curriculum and Renee George Leadership for Whole-School Orange High School Program Assessment Birrong Girls High School Improvement Revesby Public School Licia Heath Global Citizenship through Bankstown Public School Bankstown West Public Bronte Public School Karin Harlor Student Agency Instructional Leadership School Jenny McDonald Secondary Curriculum, Birrong Girls High School Kylie Hedger Improving Student Outcomes BISEP - Birrong Girls High School’s Gooloogong Public School through Data Informed Practice Learning and Teaching Elizabeth Macarthur High School Improving School Engagement Directorate with Canobolas David Marsden Chifley, La Perouse, Project Renee Heyburgh Rural Technology School, Finley High School Matraville & Matraville Guise Public School Cessnock & Crookwell High Briar Road Public School Stuart Meiklejohn Soldiers Settlement Public Schools Excellence in Aboriginal Wagga Wagga High School Mark Long Schools Education The STEM Industry School Erin Oxenbridge Penrith High School Culture, Community and Partnership (SISP) Program Elizabeth Macarthur High Farmborough Road Public School Susie Claire Mobayed Curriculum Project (CCCP) West Wallsend High School School Kelly “Nan” Pipe Condell Park High School Concord High School Higher School Certificate Professional Learning Inquiry Stanmore Public School Rozanne Patane Careers and Transition Scheme Improvement Platform Penrith South Public School (CaTS) Natasha Ward Galston High School Glen Innes Public School Emma Shaw Darlinghurst Public School Reading and Numeracy Projects Mary Brooksbank School EVOLUTION: Creative and Grahamstown, Irrawang, Performing Arts Program Christine Soilemezidis Karuah, Medowie, Raymond Condell Park High School Elderslie Public School Terrace, Salt Ash & Seaham Think Team Public Schools & Hunter Gorokan, Henry Kendall, River & Irrawang High Lake Munmorrah, Schools Northlakes, Wyong High Raymond Terrace Community Schools and Tuggerah Positive Behaviour for Learning

6 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 7 Featured Artists

LEO ABISAAB Leo Abisaab is a Year 11 student from Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School who has been singing and performing for most of his 16 years. He has been a featured vocalist in many school productions and will this year be a Featured Artist in the 2019 Schools Spectacular. In 2018, Leo competed on the seventh season of The Voice Australia and at just 14 years of age, made history by becoming the youngest artist to ever compete on the show. Leo has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including the legendary Boy George and superstar Joe Jonas.

KYRA POLLARD Kyra Pollard is a 17 year old student from Finigan School of Distance Education. She has been a Featured Artist in the Schools Spectacular since 2017 and will again lead a stellar cast in this year’s production. Kyra has performed in many local musical theatre productions in the Region including Legally Blonde and Into the Woods. The Schools Spectacular has given Kyra the opportunity to grow and develop her musical talents with a view to a career in the entertainment industry.

HORN PLAYERS Phoebe Matthews Emily Miers Hunter School of the Performing Arts Fort Street High School Year 11 Year 11

The Arts Unit provides students and teachers with highly motivating and The Arts engaging opportunities that inspire their creative potential. The Arts Unit Unit delivers programs throughout NSW in dance, drama, music, visual arts, debating, public speaking, reading, spelling and special events Our arts and literacy programs aim to • enhance student achievement in and beyond the classroom • build teacher capacity and leadership • showcase excellence Every year more than 64,000 students directly engage and 8,600 teachers directly participate in Arts Unit programs across NSW, and an additional 593,000 students benefit from associated teaching and learning resources and activities For more information telephone (02) 8512 1100 or visit www.artsunit.nsw.edu.au Or join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/theartsunit

8 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 9 achievement in all areas of school. India has shown in the school musical and has taken a leadership role in of utilising leadership to build better relationships and Minister’s Award for leadership and maturity beyond her years and has the Year 12 Charity fundraising event. He currently holds stronger community. made a significant contribution to the whole school the office of Vice Captain. He is an excellent role model Excellence in Student community. As school Vice-Captain, she is an inclusive for other students and this is reflected in the high leader, supporting all students. Wagga Wagga High esteem that staff and Jackson's peers have for him. Achievement School considers India to be an exemplary student who exhibits outstanding personal qualities of honesty, Georgia Cunnion integrity and determination. Elderslie High School Recipient Citations Cameron Chang Georgia is an exemplary student. Over the six years of her enrolment at Elderslie High School, Georgia has North Sydney Boys High School maintained an admirable focus on her goals, striving Emma Beukers Cameron is an exceptional individual and outstanding to be the best leader that she can be through taking all-rounder who conducts himself with integrity and The Forest High School on a multitude of extra-curricular endeavours. She resilience. Since his arrival in Year 7, he has been a is a natural leader and has earned the respect of all Emma is a young woman who consistently displays diligent and motivated student, willing to become part staff and students unanimously through her diligence, Hannah Ahn qualities of leadership, possessing excellent of the school community and take advantage of all motivation and determination. She is passionate about Chatswood High School communication, organisation and collaboration skills. opportunities on offer. His maturity and wisdom have student leadership and is both a highly visible leader Hannah’s achievements have had a positive impact on Her leadership within the SRC and her involvement in allowed him to excel in all areas of life. It has been a and a very effective School Captain. students across the North Shore of Sydney. As School a wide range of activities have allowed Emma to build privilege to watch Cameron mature into an outstanding Captain at Chatswood High School, Hannah has initiated exceptional leadership skills, resulting in her selection young man whose diligence and empathy are reflective and led programs that have built school spirit, improved as School Sports Captain for 2019. Emma’s composure of his character. Cameron’s outstanding achievements the school experience for students and engaged members and empathic nature ensures projects she is leading and interactions with others reveal that he is truly a of the broader community in school activities. Hannah has or collaborating on, proceed with calm, efficient worthy recipient for this award. Negeen Daudi also led the introduction of entrepreneurial experiences organisation. Her enthusiasm for cultural and sporting Merrylands High School into the school including a three day workshop that saw activities and collaborative leadership shines through all participants from eight school work together. Hannah is her interactions. Negeen is an exceptional student who has excelled currently director of a not for profit company that links academically, socially and through numerous leadership employers with school students seeking work experience. Jazmine Cooke opportunities; includes being recognised as the Most Elinor Bickerstaff- Tweed River High School Outstanding Student on multiple occasions. Negeen’s Jazmine is a deserving recipient of the award for teachers define her as persistent, hardworking and Westbrook Excellence in Student Achievement. She displays empathetic. Her most recent school report indicates Cumberland High School Sarah Al Helfy excellence in her studies and a commitment to she has placed first in all her HSC subjects. Negeen’s Elinor is an outstanding leader who has contributed achieving to her full potential. She is an outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills have helped break Birrong Girls High School with distinction to both her school and local community. academic student; however she truly shines as a school down barriers to success for females and minority groups. Sarah has demonstrated incredible work ethic, social Elinor is celebrated by the entire school community as an and community leader. Jazmine has made a significant Through Negeen’s leadership, an important message of conscience and authentic community service as a outstanding and compassionate leader and exemplary contribution to ensure that the voice of youth is heard encouragement, collaboration and acceptance has been student and citizen. Her initiative and commitment to role model. Within the school context, Elinor has excelled by our local leaders, through her role as Chair of the promoted within the local community. ​ opportunities, initiatives and programs have resulted in academically and received prestigious awards. She Tweed Shire Youth Council and by our State leaders direct and sustainable change. Sarah’s ethical conduct has contributed significantly to a number of school and through her role as Minister for the Environment in the has added value to school culture and influenced the community-based fundraising initiatives that have not NSW Youth Parliament. She is a role model to all. positive behaviour of peers across all year groups. only impacted Cumberland High School but also the She has raised awareness, understanding and most broader community. Elinor’s academic, cultural, creative Niamh Elliott-Brennan importantly, action in our school community about a and sporting excellence, inspiring leadership and Fort Street High School number of important social and political issues. She exceptional commitment to school service make her a Niamh has consistently achieved academic excellence is an exemplar representation of the values of Public most worthy recipient of this prestigious award. Rohan Cowley Education and Birrong Girls High School. Macintyre High School and has been an active member of the Amnesty Club and Instrumental Music Program from Years 7 to 12. A valued Rohan is an outstanding young person and our SRC member of the Fortian Magazine as author and editor, President (school captain). He is a leader in our Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and sporting Latin Club, Peer Support, English Enrichment, High Jackson Blake house system. Academically, he is an example of what Resolves, Student 2 Student reading program, Debating, India Becroft Inverell High School can be achieved through perseverance and effort. He Mock Trial and has been a participant of ‘Schools Wagga Wagga High School Jackson is an outstanding student who has maintained is open about his learning journey and inspires younger Spectacular’ and ‘In Concert’. Niamh is a national finalist India is a genuine all-rounder. She has demonstrated an excellent standard of achievement in all his subjects. students. He is a talented swimmer, athlete, dancer and in the Bond University Mooting Competition and is extraordinary commitment to her responsibilities, He has been a top ranking student in his year group artist who not only achieves at a high level, but uses his currently participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Gold representing her school and peers with integrity and and has always had a keen interest and aptitude for the leadership qualities to engage others. Rohan is a role Award. Niamh’s strong social justice perspective and dignity. She consistently demonstrates outstanding sciences and technology. Jackson had a principal role model for Indigenous youth and exemplifies the ideal commitment will see her contribute to a better world.

10 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 11 Takesa Frank Bhumika Sree Gowda Olivia Hughes Marina Jin Ulladulla High School Girraween High School Corowa High School Girraween High School Takesa is a proud Aboriginal Year 12 student who Over the past six years, Bhumika has demonstrated Olivia is an exceptional student and role model across Marina is an outstanding student who has made has been an exceptional school leader committed to the highest quality attributes as a positive role model our school and broader community. She is committed great contributions to the community of Girraween making an incredible difference in our school and the for public education. Her achievements have extended to excellence in her academic pursuits and this High School. She has demonstrated excellence in her wider world. She has inspired the whole community to into the domains of academic excellence, community commitment extends to both her sporting passions academic studies, community service, co-curricular be more environmentally aware. An outstanding School contributions, co-curricular and leadership endeavours. and her community responsibilities. Olivia is our School and leadership endeavours. Marina’s service as Captain of Ulladulla High School and an incredible young Bhumika’s achievements in sport and in Indian classical Vice-Captain and is recognised as an outstanding role Vice-Captain has been exemplary and of the highest Aboriginal woman who has navigated her passions dance have been outstanding. Her warm and friendly model by her peers and teachers alike. She continually standard. She has initiated and led various programs about the environment and the wellbeing of her fellow manner have ensured that she has set an outstanding aspires to achieve excellence and, in so doing, which have benefitted students in all year groups. students. Her impact has been inspirational. Awarded example for younger students across the school in a inspires others which is why she is a worthy recipient Marina has actively demonstrated an outstanding Shoalhaven Youth of the year 2019, Shoalhaven variety of programs. Bhumika demonstrates the values of the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student ability to balance her studies at an academically International Women’s award in 2018, Environmental of public education in all that she does. Achievement. selective high school with a variety of other co- Future Leaders Award 2019 and numerous school curricular activities both within the school and the leadership awards. An extraordinary young person! wider community.

Georgio Hawi Ty Hughes Fort Street High School Whitebridge High School Amanda Fuiono Georgio remains humble despite his current ranking in Ty is an outstanding ambassador for Public Education Christopher Kim Rooty Hill High School the top ten for each of his HSC subjects. He completed and in particular Whitebridge High School. He was North Sydney Boys High School Amanda is a remarkable and talented young woman Extension 1 Mathematics in Year 9 and Extension 2 elected by his peers and staff to be the School Captain Chris is one of our exceptional students, an all- whose achievements extend from a strong academic in Year 10 achieving 99%. In Year 11 Georgio achieved for 2019 and he confidently carries out his duties with rounder who always conducts himself with integrity program of study to engagement in sport at an elite 100% in his UTS Mathematics course and 96% in his distinction. He gives freely of his time to represent and has earned the respect of many across our level, leadership as the Principal’s Representative for Sydney University Mathematics Course. Georgio is a the school and work with students, staff and the school community. He has demonstrated academic Rooty Hill High School and community service to the leader within the school’s Chess Club, Robotics Club, community and he regularly contributes to the wider excellence in a high achieving school, whilst Pacifica community through youth work and church Titration and Informatics Olympiad, all of which he community through charitable events, mentoring, participating at an outstanding level in a wide range of activities. She is a role model to over 200 students of willingly dedicates his personal time to teach and coaching and umpiring junior sport programs. He Pacifica background in the school; she has represented mentor younger students. Georgio was awarded the activities encompassing sport, music, leadership and is a quality student who achieves high standards of the Principal at Blacktown City Council and at high Melbourne School of Engineering Dean’s Award at the volunteering. He has shown strong participation in his level community, educational and strategic partnering 2018 Robocup Jnr National Competition. academic success through hard work and endeavour. local community and has been an outstanding student events. She also plays volleyball at an elite level where He is a credit to his school and family. leader throughout his high school years. He is a quiet her capacity to lead teams is exemplary. and unassuming leader who embodies the values of public education. Connor Higgins Wagga Wagga High School Keshna Jeyandrabalan William Gao Penrith High School Connor shows that he is a determined well-rounded Isabella Lawton Penrith High School student who strives for excellence in all areas of school. Keshna is a high-achieving student who excels across Galston High School William is a student of the highest calibre whose academic Connor’s maturity and natural leadership has been the curriculum. Her dedication to learning have performance is outstanding. William is currently 1 of 10 evident at school as a School Leader and a prominent earned her many wonderful accolades, including the Isabella is a highly deserving recipient of this award. students accepted into the highly competitive accelerated member of the Indigenous Leadership Group. He is an WSU Academic Access Scholarship Award for her For the entirety of her school-life, she has been an INFO1110 program at Sydney University to study a first year inclusive leader who readily delivers Acknowledgement excellent academic performance, the UWS Award for exemplar and role model for positive engagement with university Computer Science course as an accelerated of Country in Wiradjuri language at school and wider most outstanding Year 11 Student, High Distinction in schooling, the community and all the opportunities that school student. So far, his result in this course is 100%. community. Connor has made significant contributions Australian Mathematics Competition Senior Division public education affords. She has been a tireless leader William was also accepted into UNSW’s intensive and to whole school community where he is positive and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Award in many roles and facets of school life and has never highly competitive accelerated program to complete a role model for all. He is highly respected by students for outstanding achievement in Science. Keshna’s failed to be positive, encouraging and proactive in all first-year Computer Science course (COMP1511) which he and staff and WWHS proudly nominates Connor to academic excellence resulted in her completing her she has undertaken. Isabella is a wonderful example finished in early 2018. At Penrith High School, William is receive The Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student HSC in 2018 in 2 Unit and Extension 1 Mathematics as an of the high caliber of student produced through public placed in the top 0.1% of the cohort. Achievement. accelerated student, achieving 1st place in both courses. education and worthy of celebration.

12 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 13 consistently attained excellent scholastic achievement community-based pursuits. His dedication and diligent in all areas, including distinguished achievement in application have enabled him to excel in all aspects of accelerated HSC Mathematics in Year 11. A dedicated school life. Jack’s exemplary school citizenship and Kate Lintott high achiever in all her endeavours, Dewmi has made service, dynamic participation in extra-curricular offerings Ruby Walker Lambton High School significant contributions and led improvements to her and personal integrity make him a most worthy recipient Inverell High School school and community, as a positive role model and Kate is an outstanding, highly motivated student who of the Minister’s Award for Excellence. with her leadership in the SRC and as School Vice- Ruby is an outstanding student who has maintained embodies the core values of Public Education. She is Captain. Dewmi is passionate about her community, her an excellent standard of achievement in all areas of an exceptional role model and advocate in her various language and culture and has been recognised for her school life. She has been the top ranking student in her leadership roles, including SRC President and School significant contributions to dance and cultural festivals. year group each year and is currently ranked first in all Captain, and represents her school with distinction. Kate HSC subjects. Ruby has been an active member of the has attained excellent scholastic achievement through Mia Rowe Galston High School school debating team and school musical. In Ruby’s her determination. A dedicated high achiever in all her role as School Captain she is an excellent role model for endeavours, She is an accomplished musician and talented Mia is a superb student leader, an excellent academic other students and displays a deep understanding of sportswoman who has made significant contributions to Mia Peden and exceptional creative and performing artist. She is the principles of democracy and social justice. Ruby is her school, region and community, not only through her Whitebridge High School highly respected by peers and teachers and has held a passionate and engaged young citizen both at school achievements, but also ‘giving back’ through her teaching, numerous leadership roles throughout her schooling, and the wider community. performing, mentoring and volunteering. Mia leads by example. She is a young lady of class and including School Captain. Mia embraces service to the dignity who carries out her duties of School Captain school community, giving generously of her time and with enthusiasm and integrity. She is always willing growing the spirit and culture of our school. She has to support her peers and younger students and has held lead roles at both school and community musicals, Georgia Weston positive relationships with staff. She has taken on Northern Beaches Secondary plays, performances and events. Mia is a dedicated Ada Luong the role of school leader and ensured a strong yet student who achieves consistently across the breadth College – Mackellar Girls Campus Sydney Girls High School considered voice for students across the school of her studies, particularly the arts. Georgia has distinguished herself and demonstrated Ada is an outstanding scholar who has consistently community. She excels in the arts, sport and in her a commitment to excellence in every aspect of achieved academic results at the top of her cohort through academic studies consistently achieving at a high her school life. As School Vice-Captain, Georgia all six years at Sydney Girls High. She is highly regarded standard. She contributes to community through consistently displays the strongest leadership, by her peers as a role model for her year group through charitable work raising both funds and awareness for integrity, and responsibility, and is always a proactive her stellar results, her accomplishment as an outstanding improved health outcomes and research. Carmen Smith and productive individual with a keen sense of the Debater and a distinguished achiever in academic fields Beverly Hills Girls High School welfare of others. Georgia has distinguished herself including the Science Olympiad in Physics. Elected academically. Her dedication to high level performance unanimously by her peers as the 2019 School Captain, Carmen is an outstanding student leader. She in Music and her selection in the Australian Canoeing Ada embodies the values of the school and the NSW possesses the skills, values and qualities which enable Team are further evidence of her commitment to Department of Education, through service and leadership. her to achieve highly in all areas of endeavour. Carmen Thomas Radnege excelling in various spheres. Georgia’s exceptionally Orange High School is recipient of numerous Academic Excellence and high personal standards and her contributions to the Thomas is the kind of student that others want to Honour Awards. She has a deep sense of community community make her an outstanding role model. be around. He is calm, collaborative, confident and and is giving of her time to foster this sense of capable. Thomas has excelled in student leadership citizenship and service in others. She supports her Ngan Quyen Nguyen local and wider community by volunteering to assist Prairiewood High School throughout his tenure as School Vice-Captain and this has been acknowledged by his community in the young refugees transition into their new community, as Andria Zanotto Ngan is an outstanding academic, her current top ranking Defence Force Long Tan Leadership Award, Secretary well as support older Australians to stay connected in Murrumbidgee Regional High in all her HSC courses, coupled with her 2018 HSC Band 6/ for a Day Program and awards from local community their society. Carmen is and will continue to be all that School E4 results in Mathematics and Extension 1, place her in groups such as Lions. Thomas is perceptive and encapsulates Public Education. Andria is an outstanding student working at the highest the top 1% of all students across NSW. Beyond academics, intelligent and will make extraordinary contributions to level academically. She is enthusiastic, self-motivated Ngan’s future success is assured because of her extensive and conscientious at all times. Andria is a brilliant engagement in extra-curricular programs; both as student society if his mark so far is anything to go by. user of technology and her communication skills leader and community volunteer, in which she has become are outstanding. She possesses a bright personality an excellent communicator, strategist, and team leader/ Thomas Stefanou member. Ngan’s grit and determination to triumph which enables her to mix easily with her peers and her teachers. Andria possesses a “can do” attitude and a over adversity has been truly amazing and rightfully Jack Roser acknowledged. Thomas is an outstanding student and member of desire to achieve excellence in all of her endeavours. Cumberland High School the Albury High School Community. He has provided Andria is working above and beyond what is expected Dewmi Kavya De Jack is an inspiring young man who has demonstrated strong leadership within the student body, not just of even our very best students and is a role model for all students at Murrumbidgee Regional High School. Silva Paththini exceptional leadership and an unswerving commitment to through academic excellence and as the School the school and broader community. As valued leader and Captain but through strength of character and action. Kankanamge School Captain in 2019, Jack has embodied the school’s He has represented the school, and CHS in Lambton High School core values of respect, responsibility and excellence. waterpolo and again his coaching and mentoring of Dewmi is an outstanding, highly motivated and Jack has achieved outstanding results throughout others highlights his commitment to the community he dedicated student with an enquiring mind. She has his secondary schooling in academic, sporting and represents.

14 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 15 the school and in the broader learning community in and characteristics access mentoring and support from Minister’s Award her mentoring and coaching capacity. Her leadership industry partners and learn to work in complex workshop is based on her strong knowledge of teaching and how environments, using a wide range of equipment, materials for Excellence in students learn. Robyn’s leadership ensures that staff and processes to successfully create major design Kathryn Fisher capacity is built through the scaffolding supports she projects of high quality. Wagga Wagga High School Teaching implements. She strives to seek continual growth and improvement for all students. Robyn has contributed Wagga Wagga High School considers Kathryn to be significantly to our school learning community an outstanding teacher who demonstrates personal particularly in the areas of Mathematics and EAL/D. qualities of collaboration, inclusivity, and empathy Recipient Citations Samantha Dennis with all members of the school and wider teaching Elderslie High School community. Her contribution to the Dance community As Relieving Head Teacher Creative & Performing locally and at state level show her commitment to all Arts, Samantha has led and directed countless school students achieving to their highest level. Kathryn’s Alison Buckley musicals and showcase evenings. Samantha has co- talent as a choreographer has been on display at many Cowra High School ordinated performing arts at a systemic level over many dance festivals and The School’s Spectacular. She Heather Arms Alison is an exemplary dance teacher at Cowra High years at the “In the Spotlight Drama Festival” and has represents Public Education and Wagga Wagga High Whitebridge High School School. Her classroom is recognised as a place of high guided many students to achieve exceptional success School with dignity in all her endeavours. Heather is an outstanding educator who has expectations and expert teaching practice. Her Stage in debating and public speaking, reaching the state contributed significantly to the lives of young men 6 experience is consistently above state average and semi-finals on multiple occasions. She has created and women in public education throughout her has provided many extracurricular opportunities for all opportunities for students from Elderslie High School’s distinguished career. She is a quality teacher who students at Cowra High School. Alison’s experience as partner primary schools through her leadership of brings out the best in her students, supporting them to a choreographer is again recognised in 2019 leading dance, drama and vocal transition workshops. Julie Fitzsimons progress in learning and achieve better than they ever a section at the School Spectacular, showcasing Lambton High School thought they could. She is a team player, with strength performing arts excellence in public education. Alison Julie is an exemplary and greatly respected Visual Arts in leading her peers with strong influence on classroom cares for all students at Cowra High School and teacher, whose students have consistently achieved practice and pedagogy right across the school. Heather embodies the state strategic direction ensuring all Tegan Dray outstanding results. Reflective in her teaching, she works tirelessly in the area of student wellbeing and students are known, valued and cared for. ensures all students are engaged and progressing in Orange High School has established and sustained strong links between learning. As Head Teacher Teaching & Learning, Julie’s Whitebridge High School and its community. Tegan’s infectious enthusiasm for learning, health and focus on aligning all Practical Learning programs has community create an energy that causes her students been pivotal in implementing innovative practice with and colleagues to buzz! She has a deep knowledge of, and teachers that is underpinned by an evidence base. Her Kate Caruana passion for, her curriculum which shows in her students’ Elderslie Public School vision has led to inquiry-based learning, meaningful curiosity and in their excellent results. Most importantly observations, writing strategies, enhancing feedback Ben Barry Kate is currently leading a cultural change where staff Tegan makes learning relevant and important. She does not and assessment. Julie’s outstanding professional Ulladulla High School are empowered and challenged to think differently. Kate stop until she finds the right strategy for the right situation knowledge, practice and engagement make her a highly Ben is a lead teacher and head teacher who has works shoulder to shoulder with staff through a whole and then reflects deeply to see how it can be improved deserving recipient of a Minister’s Award. transformed the way in which his students view school spirals of inquiry program, with stage teams even more. Tegan shows all of us how to use knowledge to themselves and their learning. In particular the way in using best practice and current research to drive student make life better for ourselves and all those around us. which he has transformed classrooms into places of growth. Kate has led a number of whole school initiatives student advocacy and authentic meaningful projects, to support staff and ensure classroom practice is data where the community is the audience and the learning driven. She knows the importance of celebrating success Emma Follett is a deep. His dedication to Aboriginal Education has and provides a forum to acknowledge the outstanding Bonnet Bay Public School been highly significant through the enlivening of culture work happening at Elderslie Public School. Kipi Fifita through the creative arts of music and dance which has Merrylands High School Educational leaders such as Emma play a pivotal role proven to be the catalyst for highly improved literacy, Kipi has made a significant contribution to Merrylands in influencing and affecting the climate, attitude and attendance and engagement for Aboriginal students. High School since 2011 and to Public Education since 2008. high expectations within a school. As an exemplary Kipi is an exceptional practitioner and educational leader practitioner, Emma inspires students and staff in their Stephen Davies who selflessly serves young people through applying deep knowledge and love of literature and technology. She The Forest High School professional knowledge, exemplary practice and ongoing has transformed our school Library to become a vibrant Stephen Davis is Head Teacher Technology and Applied engagement. He is expert at engaging students, employing hub of creation and learning in our school. Emma’s Robyn Brady Studies at Forest High School. He is an excellent teacher his remarkable interpersonal skills to build rapport and best authentic practice allows students to become Revesby Public School and school leader who demonstrates the Australian connection with all students. His humility, professionalism curious independent lovers of learning. Her influential Robyn is an exceptional practitioner who demonstrates Professional Standards at an exemplary level. He is and patience ensures that he is also a colleague who is role in engaging, motivating and challenging students strong ethical leadership to ensure that all students are recognised by NESA and professional associations for cherished by all staff. Kipi extends his service to young to become problem solvers, thinking creatively and provided with a quality education. She demonstrated his expert knowledge and leadership of colleagues. With people, music and public education by regularly and critically has inspired our whole learning community at excellence in teaching and shares her expertise across Stephen’s guidance students with diverse backgrounds expertly dedicating himself to a range of pursuits. Bonnet Bay Public School.

16 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 17 Anni Gifford Sarah Jones Melanie Lever Alison Pool James Fallon High School Campsie Public School Warilla High School Prairiewood High School Anni excels in all elements of the teacher professional Sarah is recognised by her peers, leadership team Melanie is committed to improved student learning For over twenty-five years, Alison has been a dedicated standards. She deeply engages with young people, and broader school community as being a talented outcomes through the evaluation and analysis of and indefatigable public school educator of students knowing and supporting them in personalised ways. practitioner who exemplifies professionalism. Driven to data and the institution of programs on the basis of and colleagues in PDHPE. Across all the Professional She innovates in her pedagogy, and is a leader in improve the educational opportunities for all students, this data to drive a regime of school-wide continuous Standards, Alison has consistently excelled and Drama across the Riverina, organising Drama Camp, she shares her knowledge to inspire others to improve improvement. Melanie is articulate, knowledgeable and continues to grow. She truly knows her students and how they learn; knows her staff and how they professional collaboration among Albury educators, their practice. Sarah’s authentic leadership ensures is the embodiment of the school’s belief that we are teach; and knows herself and what she can do. As the and mentoring other teachers. Her work with Aboriginal quality provision for students across a range of complex “student centred and outcomes driven”. She has taken learner profiles. She draws on the analysis of a range consummate professional, Alison is the embodiment of students is exceptional. Anni has engaged so many on significant leadership roles in both teaching and of data to determine achievable goals and strategies excellence in teaching. Her passion and commitment vulnerable students through performance, building learning and student well-being which have resulted for success. She has highly developed communication to the public school students of NSW is unsurpassed, strong community connections and relationships. Her in a relentless approach to ensure a level playing field skills, is deeply analytical, critical and reflective. Sarah at all levels. responsiveness to student need, and her ability to listen for all students through a differentiated approach has earned the respect and admiration of the whole to learning via supportive and informed well-being to student voice, make her one of the finest teachers school community. with whom I have ever worked. initiatives.

Lara Pope Condell Park Public School Paul Karbon Naomi O'Neill Lara is an excellent instructional leader at Condell Sarah Hunt Doonside Technology High School Ulladulla High School Flinders Public School Park Public School. She has a wealth of subject Paul initiated, collaborated and embedded a highly Naomi is a leader in our school who develops knowledge, particularly in the area of Literacy and has Sarah is an exceptional thinker, innovator and genuinely effective whole school wellbeing program that has strategies and learning structures that support utilised this to build the capacity of teachers, leading passionate teacher. She epitomizes everything that is created a change in both teaching and learning to enable to improved student results. Lara works shoulder to the engagement of our students and staff. Her needed to be a quality teacher. As a leading teacher, positive relationships between staff and students. Paul’s shoulder with teachers in their classrooms and has led professionalism and dedication enables our students her professionalism in the implementation of Project effective leadership has promoted innovative thinking, the development of quality differentiated programs, to be actively engaged in their learning in an Based learning and her professional reach in the inspiring the school community to create a strong set of catering for the diverse needs of the school. She is a environment that celebrates their successes, both development of colleagues across the state has been core values upon which is based student learning and reflective practitioner who draws on the professional inside and outside the classroom. She understands superb, in particular the Connected Communities. resiliency plans. He has mentored many staff engaging knowledge of those in the local and broader educational that a joy of physical activity relates positively to Sarah’s work illustrates the impact that Sarah has had them and creating learning environments that ensure community and willingly shares her knowledge with inclusivity. Because of his exemplary pedagogical an increase in academic achievement. Without her as a teacher/educator/leader to improve the outcomes colleagues. of students. The collaboration, innovation and teacher knowledge and proven ability to embed programs that guidance and knowledge we would not have the confidence she has generated and supported has been ensure every student achieves their best, his expertise is brilliant sporting programs that are in place today. outstanding. acknowledged in NSW and other states. Louise Reynolds Louise Leary Leslie Pitt Granville East Public School Emma Hutchinson Campbelltown Performing Arts The Forest High School Louise is an outstanding educational leader. Her High School leadership is informed by data interpretation, a sound Scarborough Public School Leslie Pitt is PD/H/PE Teacher and Aboriginal Education Louise is a Dance and Film teacher and relieving Head knowledge of her community and an extraordinary Emma is an outstanding teacher with a strong focus Coordinator, The Forest High School. He is an excellent Teacher at Campbelltown Performing Arts High School. sense of dedication and heart for what she does. on student wellbeing. This year, we have seen dramatic teacher and school leader who demonstrates the An exemplary classroom practitioner for the past 27 Louise intrinsically believes that all students and all growth in our student engagement, supported Australian Professional Standards to an exemplary years, Louise has consistently provided high quality, her staff deserve the best leadership and professional standard. As an Aboriginal teacher, He is leading by strong feedback from other staff and parents. engaging learning experiences for students in her learning to ensure that the whole school community the process of reconciliation in the whole school Emma is a quality teacher who belies her 3 years of classes. Her expertise in personalised, future focused benefits. She is selfless and tireless in her work and is community. He is an active member and leader of experience. She researches and plans her lessons to learning experiences and provision of opportunities for an extraordinary resource that many people turn to for ensure differentiation is effective and targeted. The top students to extend themselves within the performing arts The Forest Network Aboriginal Reference Group and assistance and professional growth. She is a devout students are really seeing growth as they are challenged has improved learning outcomes for significant numbers the AECG. Leslie uses his connection with Aboriginal proponent of Public Education. to think deeply and engage in higher order thinking. She of students. Her ongoing commitment to professional community to develop and lead whole school events integrates curriculum outcomes in such an effective and learning, action learning and best practice make her a such as Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC, effectively big-picture way, while ensuring instruction is explicit highly valued member of Campbelltown Performing Arts raising community awareness and understanding of and clear. High School and the wider educational community. Aboriginal perspectives and history.

18 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 19 the small things that make a difference in student’s Secretary’s Award learning. She acknowledges the positives, and genuinely supports all members of our school community. She is an Jessica Schulte Jennie Wilson for Excellent Service advocate for Aboriginal children, as a carer on the Albury Dubbo College Senior Campus Moulamein Public School AECG for 10 years. She reminds us all when a student or a staff member achieves success. She is much loved. Jessica is an exceptional teacher who has achieved Jennie is a teaching Principal of the highest calibre. Recipient Citations significant results across diverse curriculum areas. Jennie’s out of the box thinking and dedication Students in her class, despite their social and to improvement of student outcomes has led to environmental disadvantage, have performed above improvement in teaching and learning outcomes in Renee George state average. This is due to her ability to develop many schools across the , Griffith and Hume Birrong Girls High School meaningful relationships with her students, foster a networks. The school community is fortunate to have culture of high expectations and an ability to engage a Principal with such dynamic leadership and teaching Jodie Bland Renee has demonstrated exemplar service in teaching learners. Jessica has strategically planned, facilitated and leadership, impacting on whole school culture and skills in our directorate. and evaluated whole school professional learning Oran Park Public School improvement. This improvement has had generational activities that have increased staff capacity across Jodie supported staff by initiating a school phonics impact on our past, current and future students as well curriculum areas to engage with high impact, evidenced program and leading the Learning and Support as the graduates who have passed through our gates based teaching strategies. As Deputy Principal she has Program for 63 classes including six support classes. during her time here. Her holistic approach to teaching, successfully engaged parents and initiated and led Jodie facilitated the induction of all newly appointed wellbeing and leadership has modelled the ongoing initiatives to support student wellbeing. teachers. She provides professional learning for power and benefits of an unbending work ethic, whole teachers to ensure successful outcomes in student hearted school spirit and passion for active participation wellbeing, curriculum differentiation and literacy, and ethical citizenship. Renee embodies our school special education, curriculum knowledge and student motto, ‘Ad Astra’, reminding all students that there is no welfare by developing an evidenced-based Learning limit when you reach for the stars.​ Glen Smart and Support Program, differentiated teaching, Warilla High School demonstration lessons and team teaching. Jodie provided workshops for parents to assist understanding Glen is an outstanding teacher, leader and school of the literacy and numeracy programs. contributor. Glen’s work has led to a cultural shift at Warilla Karin Harlor High School which has seen substance and pragmatism Figtree High School given to a philosophy that espouses “Excellence for All”. Karin values, respects and forges positive relationships Glen is at the forefront of pedagogic change and models with Indigenous students, whilst working hard to best practice based on validated research findings. His Jodie Brown strengthen connections with the wider Aboriginal work in opening up informative, relevant and timely Finley High School community. Under Karin’s leadership there has been a dialogue with parents has resulted in a new level of Jodie is an exceptional Student Support Officer, whose raised profile of Aboriginal culture, especially seen through interaction and understanding between home and school. focus is very much aligned to the departmental value the marking of Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. Glen’s work within and beyond the school embodies what of every child is known, valued and cared for. Having This culminated in an Aboriginal cultural appreciation day quality 21st century educators aspire toward. implemented many whole school initiatives and programs, where students were immersed in authentic Aboriginal it has been her vision to raise awareness on current cultural experiences. As a passionate educator, Karin wellbeing concerns, focus on mental health and promote has initiated an abundance of rich and challenging available supports leading to an increase in student opportunities enabling Indigenous and non-Indigenous engagement. Jodie is a very trusted and well respected students to happily engage in Aboriginal cultural activities. Jeffrey Ting member of the school community and through her hard Macintyre High School work student wellbeing has been enhanced considerably Jeffrey is an outstanding and highly respected head providing a solid foundation for young people to thrive teacher and teacher of technology and applied studies. The TAS faculty, under Jeffrey’s innovative, Kylie Hedger collaborative and strong leadership, has grown in the Elizabeth Macarthur High School number and diversity of courses that it offers, the Christine Clancy Kylie, as an established instructional leader in the number of students who select studies in the area, and Macarthur network, has demonstrated outstanding James Fallon High School has become the highest performing HSC faculty in the ability to sustain and grow future leaders. Under school. He is responsible for developing and introducing Christine embodies the goal of every student being her leadership she has mentored many upcoming a highly successful STEM transition program with our known, valued and cared for. Christine supports a range of Principals with her knowledge and expertise around the partner primary school, specialist programs for our students in classrooms with their learning, which begins Leadership Capabilities Framework. As an experienced most disadvantaged students and authentic project with strong, supportive, fair and positive relationships educator she has demonstrated that she is capable of based learning opportunities for our students. with young people and their teachers. Christine notices leading a learning community to achieve both academic

20 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 21 and wellbeing successes for the staff and students students and parents. Susie prioritises quality teaching in her care. To have worked closely with someone of and learning resulting in six successive years of value Secretary’s Award for Kylie’s calibre is a privilege. She is a proud product and added core skill development in NAPLAN and HSC leader of Public Education. identified at Excelling level. an Outstanding School Initiative

Renee Heyburgh Rozanne Patane Guise Public School Penrith South Public School Recipient Citations Renee is an outstanding member of the leadership Rozanne is known for her instrumental work team at Guise PS. As an instructional leader, she plays and commitment to School Administrative Staff a vital role in determining individualised professional Professional Association (SASSPA) and her Auburn North Public School learning needs of staff to differentiate instruction, contributions to improving school systems. She Leadership for Whole-School Improvement is committed to enhancing the professionalism of strategically plan interventions and improve teaching Auburn North’s 2018-2019 Leadership for Whole-School administrative staff and an advocate for dynamic practice. She was instrumental in the implementation Improvement Project has significantly improved the professional learning. of Learning Progressions and developed a data tracking leadership capacity of the distributed leadership team and system, linked to ‘Learning Boost’ sessions, which the knowledge, skills, and abilities of each member and, tailors learning support for students. Renee has built according to data, led to the school becoming an even capacity of teachers in Future Focused Learning and better and more high-performing school for students, has increased student voice through implementation Emma Shaw staff, and parents. Leaders have participated in leadership of the student Inspire Team. She is unrelenting in her Mary Brooksbank School development programs and initiatives including the focus and is a dedicated and passionate educator. Executive Ready Program, researching most effective Emma undertakes her role as School Counsellor with leadership strategies for improved team performance, the added complexities of students with intellectual and participating in weekly workshops. Leaders have and physical disabilities, autism and complex health used their skills in a variety of ways students including care needs; not often faced by a regular School coaching, analysing lesson videos, grade workshops, and Mark Long Counsellor. In her role, Emma has built a rapport with Penrith High School the students, many of whom are non-verbal. She has collaborative planning. Mark is an exceptional Principal. His leadership has the skills and understanding to administer standardised tests to the students, as well as mentor and counsel Bankstown West Public School transformed the culture of Penrith Selective High Improving Student Outcomes through Data Informed School. Through a relentless focus on the holistic them. She supports and encourages staff to increase their confidence and capabilities in working with the Practice development and growth of every student, he has students. Emma makes herself available to parents and created a learning environment that ensures each Bankstown West Public School is developing a culture families and is warm, empathetic and understanding. student connects, is stretched and supported in their of innovation and improvement. The school has created education. Mark has been instrumental in positioning an online data system that continues to evolve based on teachers to be even more skilled and effective through teacher and parent feedback. It provides a truly transparent high quality, strategic professional learning, which view of student learning and wellbeing which all teachers has been offered across and beyond the school. can access. Our data system reviews student learning Christine Soilemezidis needs, drives teacher planning, adjusts teaching practices Student voice has been activated in purposeful and Condell Park High School empowering ways, enriching learning and capacity. and informs reporting to parents processes. BWPS has Christine is an outstanding School Administrative worked collaboratively with six schools within our network in Manager (SAM) at Condell Park High School who has adapting data literacy practices to their school contexts. The dedicated 18 years of service to the public school executive staff have presented at principal meetings within system, 4.5 of which as a substantive SAM. She excels our network and across networks. Susie Claire Mobayed in the implementation of financial management Condell Park High School systems and participation in financial decision-making Concord High School processes. Such is her high level of expertise in these Careers and Transition Scheme (CaTS) Susie is a passionate, exceptional educational leader financial and school operational systems that she is and high school Principal who has devoted 35 years often pursued by neighbouring schools for assistance. The Careers and Transition (CaTS) program has significantly to nurturing, guiding and supporting generations of Supporting 102 staff and acting as a direct line changed the educational outcomes for over 100 students low SES high LBOTE students. Such is her reputation manager to 19, Christine has galvanised all staff to work over the past 4 years at Concord High School. Originally that droves of former students enrol their children productively, resourcing the school to achieve best designed as a program to support disengaged students at Condell Park High School, which has grown by student outcomes. transition to TAFE or employment, the success of the 23% since 2015. She achieved this through explicit program has seen most students re-engage with secondary alignment of vision and values, strategic management education and go on to complete their Higher School of resources and inspirational motivation of staff, Certificate within a supportive and structured environment.

22 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 23 Darlinghurst Public School practices and teaching models ensuring a flexible, and credibility with the wider community. The school’s EVOLUTION: Creative and Performing Arts Program innovative and personalised learning experience for approach ensures that every family is known, valued all students. ​ The programs at Darlinghurst Public School have grown and cared for resulting in opportunities for success. from strength to strength due to the commitment of Peel High School The team provides an innovative approach responsive a dedicated team of educators at the school. They are to the needs of our community resulting in authentic Schools of the Future 2.0 relentless in seeking opportunities, creating initiatives and relationships. Often these programs are delivered after extending programs. These programs are all characterised The Schools of the Future initiative has grown strongly hours and on the weekends. by high levels of engagement, inclusion and equity. over the last 18 months and has proven to be not only This team of experienced and early career educators an outstanding success with the way we now teach Secondary Curriculum, Learning and are applauded for their professionalism and for their Year 7 and 8 students, but also has supported extensive Teaching Directorate staff collaborations and engagement across the generosity as human beings. The STEM Industry School Partnership (SISP) school. This initiative has received full support from Elderslie Public School our Director, Ruythe Dufty and also the parents of the Program Think Team students involved. As a school, we have committed to The STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) program this program until the end of 2020 and we have been is an example of how an effective STEM program can be The EPS Think Team are a student group that have inundated by schools across the state to view what we taken to scale to benefit of a wider learning community. transformed practice at Elderslie. The Think Team have done. Using local industry expertise to provide authentic and is ensuring student voice leads school planning and engaging learning contexts is key to its success and regularly analyse data and implement engaging lessons Prairiewood High School enables schools to maximise the benefits of integrated to embed a culture of Learning Dispositions. They Community Inclusion Program of Excellence STEM education pedagogy for student learning and design unique characters for Learning Dispositions and future career outcomes. The lessons learned during the engage the community to bring ideas to life through This award not only honours those who design and costume creations and special events. They have implement our overwhelmingly successful Prairiewood pilot phase of the SISP program has been shared with created a strong metalanguage of learning and have HS Community Inclusion Program, but also honours the the wider STEM learning community in NSW, evident in supported staff in ensuring students are displaying many parents, community members and local external the 950 participants at this year’s Regional NSW Future learning dispositions, skills and attitudes to be agencies that whole-heartedly participate and engage Focused (STEM) conference. successful future lifelong learners. They have presented in all its forms, year after year. The Community Liaison their initiatives at a variety of conferences state-wide. team have worked tirelessly to deliver high-quality West Wallsend High School programs of community inclusion. They consistently Higher School Certificate Improvement Matraville Public School improve our parents’ ability and willingness to not The school executive team have been instrumental in Culture, Community and Curriculum Project (CCCP) only communicate and engage with complex school increasing student HSC success. They have embraced a dynamics, but also develop personal skills that improve The Culture, Community and Curriculum Project (CCCP) vision for school improvement targeting specific initiatives their families’ socio-economic competitiveness. paired respected Aboriginal community members with with relentless focus. Of critical importance has been the Ultimately and undeniably, their children/the school’s teachers across Matraville Public School, Matraville engagement in an extensive suite of internal and external students are the winners! Soldiers’ Settlement Public School, Chifley Public School professional learning offered over the last five years. The and La Perouse Public School. These community members Revesby Public School HSC improvement, evidenced in data is a testament to the and teachers collaborated to plan for and provide strategic focus building professional capacity of staff to Global Citizenship through Student Agency engaging learning experiences that embedded authentic enhance opportunities for all students. Their commitment Aboriginal perspectives across the curriculum. The project The school works towards upholding the values to innovation is to be commended. created meaningful connections between schools and of the NSW Department of Education in providing the local Aboriginal community by empowering teachers opportunities for students to solve real world problems Wyong High School and Aboriginal community members to be equal decision in order to prepare young students for rewarding lives Creating Chances for Central Coast Schools as ethical citizens of the community and as global makers in classroom activities and curriculum.​ It was Creating Chances has taken a collaborative approach citizens of the future. Empowering student voice and coordinated through the UNSW School of Education and to working with our staff to identify areas of need engaging students in a school culture that promotes the Eastern Suburbs Local AECG. and designed and implemented an innovative active life-long learners who can and do make a positive and tailored pathway. tudents enjoyed the Liverpool Boys High School difference in the world. S combination of sport and collaborative project learning Project Based Learning Rosemeadow Public School to achieve social and emotional development and The introduction of Project Based Learning has had a Community Wellbeing Team this has had a significant and highly visible impact on major impact on student and community engagement student outcomes. There has been increased self- at Liverpool Boys High School. For a number of years The Community Wellbeing Team has had a major confidence, improved engagement, willingness to take Year 7 to 10 students have been educated through impact across the Campbelltown area by providing a on leadership and higher aspirations beyond school. Project Based Learning - removing the tradition Key boutique delivery of programs that support and address Through the coaching program relationships have Learning Areas. By 2020 there will be a complete the needs of students and their families. Strong strengthened Community education shift of a vertical stream for years 8 to 12. partnerships across schools, support agencies and been with the of Schools and helped foster positive relationships Liverpool Boys is a beacon for innovative education private industry has created an environment of trust between High School and Primary School students.

24 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 25 options more purposeful for our parent community and rapport and connection with staff and peers. It provides more meaningful to student learning. Three-way Learning which have become the norm at MHS. Teacher Secretary’s School the highest quality pedagogy in the classroom. It steers Conversations were born. Every semester for a half-hour conversations are now centred on teaching and students toward finding their passion and purpose and students, teachers and families sit down to discuss learning, not student behaviour. Achievement Award then supports the plans to pursue them. ​ student achievement, progress and next steps in learning. Now – 94% of families attend; students are leading these Revesby South Public School Briar Road Public School conversations; teachers curate the learning; and parents Curiosity and Powerful Learning Excellence in Aboriginal Education Recipient Citations report they are more informed than ever. The Curiosity and Powerful Learning Program is Briar Road Public School has worked hard to create research based, supporting leaders and staff at the a meaningful culturally-based approach to engaging Grahamstown, Irrawang, Karuah, school in shaping a clear practical framework for with Aboriginal students and community. Elders and Medowie, Raymond Terrace, Salt Ash & continuous school improvement with students as the Auburn North Public School community play a critical role in leading the direction Seaham Public Schools & Hunter River core focus. To develop a high performance culture and Parents as Partners in Learning Program of the school and its initiatives. The focus for the & Irrawang High Schools improve pedagogical practice, the school implemented Auburn North’s ‘Parents as Partners in Learning’ school is on enhancing the capacity of students in Raymond Terrace Community Positive Behaviour high quality, rigorous professional learning, modelling program was developed and implemented in response turn developing the strength of the community. The for Learning best practice, teaching practice observations, feedback Aboriginal Education committee has done tremendous to research that shows when parents are involved in This innovative and collegial approach to student and coaching. Data driven systems combined with work in creating authentic learning experiences for both their children’s education students perform better at wellbeing and learning brings a local stamp of high direct and explicit teaching with rich, authentic and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students P-6. school, and in response to the desire of Auburn North quality. It is highly responsive and engaging for the challenging curriculum and assessment tasks are parents to further develop their knowledge and skills to hallmarks of the school’s approach. Evidence of Elizabeth Macarthur High School whole school communities served by each of these assist their children’s learning. The program involved schools and their principals. Ongoing principal planning impact shows significant improvement in reading and parents participating in small group, grade-based Professional Learning Inquiry Platform and connection has generated a unified strength, which numeracy and strong value added data. workshops where they worked with their children’s Elizabeth Macarthur High School uses an innovative is affirming and reassuring to all schools’ parents/ carers teachers to develop an understanding of how their integrated learning platform to ensure that all staff and their children. It reinforces the important student- Rooty Hill High School children learn literacy, numeracy, and technology in are consistent in their approach to programming, centred message that students are truly known, valued Creativity and Innovation in Capability Driven their classrooms, and developing the skills to assist differentiation and classroom management. This and cared for, and helps to forge their lives with a Curriculum and Assessment their children at home with their learning. learning platform uses Inquiry learning, evaluative remarkable level of compassion and care, equipping This school recognises that traditional achievement thinking and teacher collaboration to support all staff in them for life’s divergent challenges as engaged citizens. measures often do not address the capabilities and Bankstown Public School implementing innovative pedagogies in their classroom. dispositions identified by employers and community Instructional Leadership The learning platform has at its core the shared vision Muirfield High School as needing to be taught, learnt, assessed and reported This instructional leadership initiative has significantly of the school and aligns the organisational structure Inspiring Success: Building a Collaborative in different and more creative ways. Working with key transformed the Bankstown Public School learning of the school to this platform. This innovative learning Professional Learning Culture strategic partners RHHS drove next practice in change platform has led to sustained and consistent growth culture. The instructional leadership team have The school’s focus on collaborative professional and innovation through its school plan. It shifted to in NAPLAN and HSC valued added results that exceeds collaboratively maintained a sustainable focus on practice has led to improved student learning capability driven curriculum and assessment focused on state average growth. distributive instructional leadership across the whole outcomes. A strong belief in collective teacher efficacy ways of knowing, doing and being in each subject. Staff, school which has created a rich culture of extremely students and partners explored and delivered digital Galston High School has created a culture of high expectations, with a effective evidence-based pedagogy which has ensured particular focus on increasing the accuracy and portfolios, student-annotated evidence, a creativity Reading and Numeracy Projects continuous ongoing improvements linked to the sophistication of student writing. Teachers at Muirfield wheel, innovative work and enterprise programs and new improvement measures. Identified gaps in student The Reading and Numeracy Projects have been fundamentally believe they can make a difference. practice in designing evidence for learning progress. achievement have decreased and every student is incorporated in the Galston High School Plan since 2016 Leaders feed the belief with evidence that we are supported to make measurable learning progress. with an overall target to increase the proportion of Year making a difference. Together, the purposeful approach Teachers now collaboratively review and adjust 9 students achieving in the top two NAPLAN bands to collaborating is dramatically powerful. The practices to affirm quality, engage in deep dialogue and for reading and numeracy by 11% by 2019. The school improvements in HSC and NAPLAN results are a direct collectively analyse and interpret student assessment has analysed SCOUT/SMART reading and numeracy result of shared goals, peer class observation and data to inform planning, identify interventions and data to identify specific areas for teacher professional instructional leadership. monitor effectiveness. development. Specific groups of students who showed the capacity to move into the highest NAPLAN bands were Murwillumbah High School Birrong Girls High School identified. Teachers have undertaken targeted professional Learning through Engagement, Agency and BISEP (Birrong Girls High School’s Improving learning and identified students have engaged in small Passion (LEAP) School Engagement Project) group or one-on-one mentoring sessions. Since 2017 Murwillumbah High School has significantly Birrong Girls High School’s BISEP is a strategy that Granville East Public School improved outcomes for students through focussed reflects the successful coordination of staff expertise, leadership, a strong professional learning program and Learning Conversations funding, community vision and DoE policy. It is a innovative approaches to enhancing student wellbeing multifaceted program that delivers a holistic learning Five years ago at Granville East Public School there were and engagement. A unique curriculum structure journey for every Birrong Girl to ensure she knows she is traditional student reports – but found that they weren’t introduced in 2017 alongside deep community part of the universe, becomes upskilled to conquer it and meaningful for our community. There had to be a better partnerships are having a positive impact on our rural then empowered to reach for the stars. BISEP establishes way. The school put together a team to investigate students. Off task behaviours have declined by 43% and enrolments have increased by 33% in the past two years. The school is now recognised for its innovative 26 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence curriculum structures driven by collaborative practices, Public Education Foundation 27 Public School Parent of the Year Award

Recipient Citations Karen Bryant Jenny McDonald Erin Oxenbridge Coffs Harbour High School Gooloogong Public School Farmborough Road Public School Karen has provided outstanding service to Coffs Jenny is an outstanding parent who exemplifies the Erin is an upstanding Parent member of Farmborough Harbour High during 10 years as P & C Treasurer, core values of Public Education in NSW. Her dedication Road Public School. She is currently the President of the managing canteen finances, including uniforms. to ensuring students from our small country town P&C. Farmborough is a small yet challenging school, During her stewardship Karen has implemented award receive authentic learning and extra-curricular however, Erin manages to ascertain the best out of all Cynthia Bacon payments, professional software and transparent experiences is second to none. Jenny’s day to day of the parents for the improvement of the school and Marrickville West Primary School accounting practices. The already accredited healthy willingness to help and support the school showcases all our students. Whenever the school needs money canteen contributes $50,000 annually to school her absolute selfless persona. She leads the P&C with donated by the P&C. Erin is the first one to support all For seven years Cynthia has dedicated herself to respect and dignity and has been a key voice in school decisions. She is highly visible in the school, supporting supporting two daughters and their school without projects and to students representing the school at state level in any domain. Karen has contributed wisely planning and projects for seven years now. Jenny is students in classrooms, in the canteen and in any ever seeking attention or benefit for herself. Cynthia truly a remarkable community member and a strong area that help is required. Erin is a major asset to is often the first to welcome new families or seek help to selection panels, provided judicious feedback on policies and wrote and acquitted numerous grant advocate for quality public education in our region. Farmborough Road Public School. on behalf of others. She works in the background to applications, including a successful joint funding enhance our school community and the educational proposal, which greatly increased our shaded areas. experience for all students. She has volunteered Karen is an exceptional and valued parent partner. at almost every school event, coordinated School Banking and served as a reading tutor. Cynthia’s David Marsden Kelly “Nan” Pipe loyalty, resilience, generosity and care have gained her Finley High School Stanmore Public School the respect and admiration of many. Her humility has David is being recognised for his contribution to the Kelly has been an outstanding supporter of meant she rarely receives the acknowledgement she Alison Duffield Finley High School Agriculture Department and the Stanmore Public School over many decades - as so richly deserves. Orange High School school show team for the past 14 years. During that parent, grandparent and great grandparent. She time he has given up valuable time and resources has contributed her time, energy and humanity to Alison has been a long serving member of the Orange working with local farmers, organising hay and straw for school programs, to its students, to its staff and their High School P&C. She works tirelessly supporting the the ever-expanding program. Using his own vehicles he endeavours on behalf of children and to the many school and in particular the Year 12 Graduation which transports feed and cattle to local and interstate shows, parents she encounters during her engagement with Alison almost single-handedly organises herself, for over Boris Baraldi often staying to assist with any task required of him. the school. Big and small roles are approached with 700 people each year. This takes 12 months to organise Oak Flats Public School David is well respected by the students. He does these equal enthusiasm, often at her own instigation when and Alison continues to support every P&C meeting and The long-term dedication of Boris to Oak Flats Public things because he is passionate about agriculture, she sees she can help. Her general optimism and every fundraising or school based P&C activity on top education and our community. her capacity to see and support the good in others is School is exemplary. As P&C President, he consistently of this enormous task. The school community are truly boundless. demonstrates outstanding and selfless empathy and grateful to have someone like Alison support the school support for both our school and community. Many of as she has done for many years. the initiatives, programs, facilities and resources that are valued within our school and wider community Stuart Meiklejohn would not have been possible without the commitment, Wagga Wagga High School Natasha Ward knowledge and skills he has brought to the role. Glen Innes Public School Demonstrating outstanding service to others in the Licia Heath Stuart has been a driving force behind the WWHS P&C school community and beyond, Boris has led the P&C Bronte Public School for many years. He has devoted many hours of his time Natasha is the Glen Innes Public School P&C President. to fundraise for the School to ensure that all students As P&C President she works alongside the school executive to work within a collaborative approach Licia is a tremendous asset to Bronte Public School have access to resources to improve their learning executive to ensure that all students and their families and with full knowledge and support of the school’s as P&C President and parent. She supports the P&C strategic directions. outcomes. Stuart has been a reliable and consistent feel valued and supported. She has applied for and committee to work harmoniously with the Principal member of the P&C and has held many executive been successful in obtaining various grants to improve and teaching staff to promote the best outcomes for positions in the last nine years. His positive attitude and areas within the school including toilets and community every student at school. Licia is genuinely committed welcoming personality have been a great asset to the spaces. Natasha’s commitment to the students of to public education and works towards building positive P&C. Stuart is a well-respected within the entire school. Glen Innes Public School continues to be invaluable, relationships in the community to ensure all voices are especially in difficult times such as during the current heard and respected. drought conditions which affect many members of the community.

28 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 29 Our 2020 Student Scholarships now open

The Public Education Foundation has a range of scholarships that target specific areas of need. We focus on removing the barriers to achievement created by social and economic disadvantage, and on acknowledging and rewarding excellence. We help students with the extra costs of public schooling and provide them with opportunities to extend their talents and pursue their aspirations. We have supported over 1,000 students across Australia through our life-changing scholarships.

Applications close Tertiary Transition Scholarships: 3 September 2019 Secondary School Scholarships: 17 September 2019 Primary School Scholarships: 24 September 2019

To apply: publiceducationfoundation.org.au/scholarships/students-scholarships For further information: [email protected]

30 2019 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence Public Education Foundation 31 We Give Life-Changing Scholarships

The Public Education Foundation is a not- for-profit organisation dedicated to providing life-changing scholarships to young people in public education and enhancing the value and reputation of public schools. Our scholarships identify and support potential, based on need, and individual excellence amongst students and educators in the public education system. Scholarships for students from refugee Investing backgrounds Scholarships for students with a physical disability in education Scholarships for students with an interest in social justice To support the important role played by public education in ensuring fair, equitable and Primary and secondary school high-quality education for all, you can donate scholarships for Indigenous students to the Public Education Foundation. The Scholarships for primary students to Foundation is committed to building support them through their critical years of long-term partnerships with business and schooling philanthropic organisations to achieve the best results for educational goals. We work Scholarships for Principals, Teachers and with our partners to create a scholarship Emerging Leaders package for particular areas of disadvantage and/or help students pursue excellence in The Foundation works in collaboration with particular curriculum areas. the Education Departments around Australia, schools, communities, individuals, the private sector, government agencies and unions to Donate now: help students achieve their full potential and publiceducationfoundation.org.au/ acknowledge teaching and learning excellence donate in the public education system.

For more information: www.pubilceducationfoundation.org.au

@PEFOZ facebook.com/pefoz Publicedfoundation [email protected]