NOVEMBER 2017 Stories About WA's Top Public School Principals

NOVEMBER 2017

Stories about WA’s top public school principals, teachers and support staff WA PREMIER’S PRIMARY TEACHER made him a better person and, ultimately, a “Carl’s classroom is a place where OF THE YEAR better teacher. questions are posed rather than answers “I’m always telling my students that the provided. Students are challenged to succeed,” willingness to work hard, persist when things she says. are tough, and being able to bounce back from “He demands high standards and setbacks is far more important than IQ,” he intellectual rigour from his students to ensure says. they are completely immersed in the learning For the past five years Carl’s been process.” teaching a class of the brightest In the classroom, Carl tells a students at Wattle Grove good story. Primary School in Perth’s “I think I inherited hills. some of my parents’ It’s an innovate sense of the WA Premier’s concept where dramatic,” he says. Primary Teacher of the 10 most “Helping And with the Year finalists academically more than Top to bottom: gifted students students become 29 years of Anthony Horn, West from Years teaching Beechboro Primary 4, 5 and 6 behind him, School; Alexandria are in a class more resilient and he has many Guthrie, Roebuck together, stories to tell. Primary School; with Carl at “I teach Jessica Stevens, the helm to persistent is crucial my students Baynton West challenge and circus skills Primary School inspire them to them achieving – riding intellectually, unicycles, physically and their potential. juggling and emotionally. ” spinning plates. While the It’s an excellent way academic outcomes to develop coordination, have been outstanding, the cross-brain switching, lessons stimulating and every persistence and social skills,” he project exciting, Carl is focused on shaping explains. individuals who are proud of themselves. “At the end we put on a big show for the “The best piece of advice I’ve ever junior primary students. received is to be true to yourself, don’t just “One year I had the bright idea of follow the crowd,” he says. including a magic act. I love being in my “I’m always talking with my class workshop at home and making things so I about people such as Nelson Mandela and designed and built a box that would allow my Rosa Parks – people with moral courage student magician to saw a student assistant in who didn’t stand by and let wrong things go half. unchallenged. “As I’ve always been an upper primary “Being true to your own beliefs and being teacher, I made the mistake of not considering prepared to stand up for them – that’s what I the sensibilities of my young audience. want to pass on to my students.” “When my magician sawed the assistant There’s no denying Carl is true to in half, terrified five year olds were convinced himself, which is one of his most endearing we had killed her! Platinum Partner and likeable characteristics. “To this day, I’m pretty sure there is nicycles lined up outside the there’s a softer side to his story that he’s not “People say that I have a good sense of a group of young adults who would still BHP is a leading global resources Makingclassroom, complex algebraic magicafraid to share. humour, but not a conventional one. I have remember that act.” company. Our commitment to equations written on the whiteboard, “I live by the saying that nothing in life a love of the absurd and the ridiculous,” he Apart from the fun, surprising and education is derived from the gigantic real-life whale ribs worth having comes easily,” he explains. smiles. sometimes outrageous experiences, Carl knowledge that access to quality Uleaning against the wall and cars powered by “My father passed away when I was five “I’m a proud science geek! I’m always hopes his students will remember that, in his education unlocks potential and mousetraps lined up in a row on shelves. This which was obviously a life changing event in demand for quiz nights – I love facts and classroom, they were in a place where they benefits not only the individual is the classroom of Carl Sanderson. for my mother who was left with four young odd bits of useless information. I mean, who could be themselves, a place where difference but also communities, regions and the state. We have proudly Meeting Carl for the first time and children. As devastating as this was, I believe doesn’t know that there are seven parts to a was celebrated and valued. IM supported the WA Education catching him in action, it’s clear he’s an it was a defining period of my life. It made spider’s leg?” Awards for the past eight years amazing teacher. His students are enthralled us resilient and strong – and I learnt that life Joelle Greenway, chair of the school and applaud the outstanding by his every word. He’s a tall man, loud and doesn’t always go to plan.” board, says Carl’s passion for lifelong learning contributions of passionate boisterous. He’s humorous and full of fun. Yet It was this experience that Carl believes is inspiring. educators and staff.

2 3 uilding robots, engineering remote controlled submarines and WA PREMIER’S researching wildlife in the wetlands SECONDARY – authentic, real-life and hands-on Bexperiences for students are central to Jade TEACHER OF Warrington’s teaching. THE YEAR “Jade just isn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty. She does everything she asks of her students,” says colleague Lorraine Ellis, head of science at Newton Moore Senior High School. The science and engineering teacher – who is also the school’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) coordinator – is a self-proclaimed “Lego WA Premier’s Secondary Teacher of fiend” and “nerd full of lame science jokes”. the Year finalists She’s also the master of invention. Left to right: Designing and making models alongside her Hayden Brown, Broome Senior High School; young inventors, she doesn’t put a lid on what Tyril Houghton, Bunbury Senior High School; they do. Judith Gauci, Willetton Senior High School Being ‘real’ is something that comes up a lot with Jade. She knows that her actions and words have a great impact on students She recently introduced her students to a It was during her time as a year coordinator that set him on track – but it’s nice to think you and wants to be a positive role model for the 3D printer and says they were blown away. that she learnt just how much of a difference can play a small part in putting someone on the world’s future scientists. “Many hadn’t seen one in action, some teachers can make. right path to a better future. You can often catch Jade and her students hadn’t even heard of a 3D printer,” she says “A student in my year group had lost “I am an extremely lucky person because working in the school’s onsite wetlands or with a smile. interest in school towards the end of Year 12 and teaching is not my job, it’s my vocation.” IM experimenting with soil and coffee. Students in “Seeing students make a connection probably wouldn’t graduate,” she remembers. one of her Year 9 science classes have worked between what they are learning and what is “I arranged for him to complete his with the City of Bunbury to plan and research happening in their lives, or realising that how work during breaks at school with access to a sites for Osprey nests in the Leschenault Inlet they are learning will help them in the future, computer, books and the internet – things he mangroves. Students in another class have that’s really rewarding.” didn’t have at home. taken water samples of Koombana Bay and With an 11 year career under her belt, the “He was really reluctant to complete his “It’s really surveyed the local dolphin population. mother of two says she never takes what she work, and not impressed with the fact that I was “It’s really rewarding to see students step does for granted. so persistent. During breaks, I’d go out and find out of their comfort zones and work together “Teachers come into contact with many him in the school grounds when he didn’t turn rewarding to see to try something new,” she says. “Through students throughout the course of the day, up.” group work and problem solving, I like to week and year. They are in a position to make Her efforts were worth it – she got to see students step out make sure students are confident when they go a positive impact on so many lives – it’s a him graduate at the end of that year. out in the real world and look for jobs. privilege not to be taken lightly,” she says. “His mum told me he was the first person in “My classes deal with real life, it has Not only does she take a whole-class his family to finish school and he said I was the of their comfort meaning and students are contributing to their approach in her teaching, she also considers reason he finished school and got into TAFE,” community.” each student’s learning style. Jade says. “Ultimately he made good choices zones and work together to try something new.”

Platinum Partner 4 INSPIRINGinvention 5 WA PRIMARY PRINCIPAL espect is a powerful and emotive effective reading instruction, and refined data OF THE YEAR word. It’s defined as a feeling of deep analysis processes. admiration for someone or something “Under Lisa’s leadership, our school is on elicited by their abilities, qualities or a powerful trajectory of improvement.” Rachievements. Lisa’s impact in the school is mirrored in It’s a word frequently used when people her impact across the region. talk about Lisa Criddle – and indeed it’s a word “She’s recognised for her work with she says has shaped her life. other principals in the network and through “I was raised with respect being a key the leadership role she plays in the region’s value in our house as a child and that still professional learning strategy,” Sue says. comes through all the time in my thinking “Through her, and the school’s when I interact with people,” she says. involvement in these things, staff see how Respectful Today, Lisa is principal of Allendale others go about their business and then adopt Primary School in Geraldton and, over the or adapt various new approaches to teaching last seven years, she’s built a true sense of and learning to benefit their students.” community in the school. For Lisa, it’s often the simple things that That’s never easy in a school which has make the most difference. a complex student population, with many “I love seeing children learning and students starting school with significant feeling excited about what they have language challenges and many transient achieved,” she says. LEADERSHIP families in the area. Lisa not only understands “I love talking with children about their this complexity but embraces the multicultural weekend and what they’ve been doing. I love blend of families that make up the school interacting with parents and staff each day to community. hear about their successes and challenges, and “I love seeing children Deputy principal Jennifer Gadsby sees what makes school great for them. firsthand how Lisa works to build trust and “I love going into kindy and pre-primary learning and feeling create a vision for a school of excellence. if the day has been extra challenging to be part “The school community has a keen sense of what they are doing.” of ownership and commitment to the school, From a childhood in Geraldton playing excited about what with trust in Lisa. They’re very proud of sport, riding bikes and playing schools – as the the positive reputation of the school and the teacher, of course – Lisa’s goal for the future is achievements that have been made,” she says. to continue to be the best principal she can be. they have achieved.” The chair of the judging panel for the “I’ll do this by having a go at new ideas award, South Metropolitan Regional Executive and inspiring others to grow professionally,” Director Sue Cuneo, witnessed this too. she says with a respectful smile. IM “Lisa works very well with the Aboriginal community due in large part – in the words of those we spoke to – to her genuine respect for and commitment to culture and inclusivity,” she says. Parents talk about how the motto ‘Strive to Succeed’ permeates every classroom and extends into the lives of their children. Their respect for Lisa is clear. Lisa is at the centre of the school’s approach to teaching and learning, leading to Gold Partner a marked improvement in students’ literacy and numeracy achievements. As a Teacher Teachers Mutual Bank Ltd Development School for early childhood is one of Australia’s largest education, English and maths, teachers mentor mutual banks, with over 191,000 members and $6.5 billion in colleagues from other schools across the assets. We’re proud to have region, sharing their knowledge and expertise. sponsored the WA Education “Lisa believes in building the capacity Awards for 10 consecutive years. of teachers to achieve the best learning For more information please WA Primary Principal of the Year finalists opportunities for students,” Jennifer says. visit: www.tmbank.com.au Top to bottom: “She’s instigated collaborative planning sessions, built strong evidence-based teaching *World’s Most Ethical Ian Hastings, Jandakot Primary School; Companies’ Award, from Lyn Macauley, Bannister Creek Primary School; practices, implemented peer and classroom Ethisphere Institute. (Awarded, Adriano Truscott, Wiluna Remote observations, supported action research into 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014) Community School

6 7 “We always say to anyone ‘you walk through the college gates, you’re part of our family’. We treat FAMILY hen Armando Giglia smiles, “I knew from the start our greatest safely guide the ‘Butler College family’ everyone that way.” and he frequently does, it’s strengthscomes as a college would come from the throughfirst significant and ongoing change. impossible not to return the relationships we develop and the people who “Using the experience of being a principal gesture. He’s instantly likeable make up our community,” he explains. and on the WA Secondary School Executives Wand laughs readily – often at himself. “To me the most important tool in a Association management committee over Yet he’s not ashamed to admit that there teacher’s arsenal is their interpersonal skills. numerous years, there have been many changes are days when his job as principal brings You need very good interpersonal skills if you at the college during its first five years,” Mike him to tears. A heartfelt thank-you letter he want to work here. says. received recently from a student he had taught “It may sound like a cliché, but we’re a “All have been completed within budget decades ago brought tears of gratitude. family. We always say to anyone ‘you walk and with the continued support of staff, Tears also fell when a troubled young through the college gates, you’re part of our students and families as reflected in our refugee student at a previous school, who family’. We treat everyone that way.” glowing community surveys.” would only settle down by walking around With 38 years’ experience in Western Armando explains that many students at the grounds with Armando, finally shared the Australian public schools, 16 of those as a Butler College have come from other lands and gut-wrenching reality of war and confessed his principal, Armando has met the challenge of are torn between two cultures. More than 300 parents had been murdered and he had killed developing a truly inclusive school at Butler students have special needs and get additional to survive. College, and at Mirrabooka Senior High help with their learning. Armando is a big-hearted man and School before that. “Every single student has classes in our his deep-seated empathy for others is the More than 200 teachers and nearly specialist education area so they are in close foundation of everything he does as principal. 80 education assistants take pride in the contact with our students with special needs. It When he was offered the chance to take achievement of Butler College’s three pillars builds understanding,” he says. charge of the brand new Butler College five as much as they do in improved Online “It’s not a bad little place is it?” he laughs WA SECONDARY years ago, he opened the school with 290 Literacy and Numeracy Assessment results and as he gazes around the expansive collection of PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR students under three pillars that underpin every impressive ATAR predictions for the college’s buildings that make up Butler College. “The aspect of college life – knowledge, integrity first graduating group of Year 12s this year. buildings are fantastic, but the people are and respect. Butler College board chair Mike Ellis better – I really mean that. The people inside “The knowledge part is easy. We’re a says the strength of Armando as head of Butler are better.” IM school and I really believe we should always College is his ability to attract and retain high be learning – and challenging ourselves to do quality staff. just that,” he says. “When staff or students do “All bar one of the college’s original something, I want them to do it because it’s foundation staff have remained at the the right thing to do, nothing else, because it is college and dozens are currently working right – that’s the integrity. Then there’s respect; on applications for Senior Teacher, Level 3 you need to respect others if you are going to Classroom Teacher, and promotional positions respect and believe in yourself. as a result of Armando’s culture of continuous “It goes back to the golden rule – treat development and support for their careers,” others as you would like them to treat you. It’s Mike says. a simple philosophy, but I’m simple, so I like Armando’s management skills were put that!” he laughs. to the test in 2015 when the college doubled WA Secondary Principal of the Year finalists It’s true, there is a refreshing simplicity in size. Left to right: Damian Shuttleworth, Carine Senior about the way Armando leads Butler College The addition of more than 600 new High School; Cheryl Townsend, Ballajura Community and ensures that its now almost 2000 students students and the need to induct 70 new College; Saeed Amin, Broome Senior High School go from good things to great. teachers and education assistants saw him Gold Partner

8 9 WA BEGINNING TEACHER WA Beginning Teacher OF THE YEAR of the Year finalists Clockwise left to right: Kristy McKay, Melville Senior High School; Katisha Barrett, Allendale Student goals in Primary School; Ashley Wright, Ashdale Secondary College

class have so much personality and I’m going world. I’d also like to visit schools in Finland to miss them all at the end of this year. I’ve to see how they work and are structured.” “A great day at taught lots of students in this class for two It all seems a far cry from her first job. years and it’s made me realise how important Working on her family’s Christmas tree farm it is to develop rapport with students and get to from the ages of 12 to 20, she did everything work for me is know them individually,” she says. from selling trees on the roadside to planting, Her students certainly appreciate her counting stock and even making deliveries to efforts – such as Year 12 student Felicia corporate clients dressed as Santa’s helper! when I know I Plaiche who says, “Mrs Yates is a kind, It was early experiences like these where creative and intelligent teacher. I like the her organised, friendly and driven personality have connected advice she gives us to always improve.” came to the fore – ideally setting her up for her Continually striving to get the best later vocation as a teacher. from her students, Debbie’s short-term “A great day at work for me is when I with my students.” goal is to refine some of the subjects she know I have connected with my students – the teaches, making activities more meaningful lesson really works and I can tell from their An avid reader, Debbie recalls the impact and bringing in more authentic learning smiles and engagement that I’ve got through of her own Year 2 teacher, Colleen Riley. opportunities. to them,” Debbie reflects. “She was so supportive and went out of On a personal level, travel with her family “I want them to know that I genuinely her way to foster my inquiring mind and love is top of the list. care and I’m interested in each and every one of books. She even arranged for me to go to “I travelled around Australia twice with of them.” IM another school’s library after I went through my family when I was a kid,” she says. “We all the books at my own school!” she laughs. had so many adventures and I developed a Debbie says many students have had an love of the Australian bush. impact on her in just two-and-a-half years of “I’d now love to travel to Europe with teaching – all for different reasons. my family and introduce my own kids to “The students in my Year 12 photography the history and culture of another part of the

broken neck and three months in a working together on a great project,” the In her time at the school, Debbie has brace gave Debbie Yates plenty of information and communication technologies, spearheaded a number of changes across the time to pause and reflect. STEM and photography teacher explains. school. “It made me realise how “Caring for students across all facets of Her STEM Champions workshops link Aimportant friends and family are, and how their education is so important – like knowing to local primary schools, bringing younger much I love my job,” Debbie says. how they’re going in other subjects and students and their parents to work together on Having switched gears a couple of years helping them with things that aren’t related to projects. These have been widely successful Gold Sponsor earlier at 37 years old to study teaching, the my class, such as how to write a resume and and have ongoing positive impacts as the mother of three already had successful stints advice about interviews or maths problems.” students move into secondary education. Edith Cowan University has in human resources, recruitment and her own Head of Science Learning Area Matthew “The STEM Girls’ Day Camp to empower been at the forefront of teacher career consulting business under her belt. Titmanis knew as soon as he met Debbie that female secondary students to take control education for over 100 years and Time out to recuperate from her injuries she would do great things. of their futures has been one of the most is dedicated to producing quality after a car accident last year crystallised in her “Even as a first year teacher, she was successful events our school has ever run,” graduates. We are delighted mind that she’d made the right move to work brimming with confidence, had a flair for Matthew says. to sponsor the WA Beginning at Ashdale Secondary College and have an creative ideas and, most importantly, was “This success was down to Debbie’s Teacher of the Year category impact on teenagers in the classroom. passionate about student achievement,” he ability to challenge students, and build and firmly believe in supporting “I love having a laugh with my students says. effective partnerships with the wider and nurturing new talent in the and that feeling you get when the class is community.” classroom. Congratulations to all finalists.

10 11 WA EDUCATION ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR “We work with children who face all sorts of challenges in their lives.”

unique goals in literacy, numeracy, and And there’s no denying that her life and social skills,” she says. valuable contribution to the school has a The results speak for themselves, flow-on effect. with Karen reflecting on a story which According to her colleagues, Karen shows it’s all worthwhile. has created an effective and positive “A Year 1 child with an learning community which has not only intellectual disability and improved student and staff achievement, significant speech impairment it’s also empowered the school’s broader came to us, not able to network. recognise her feelings and But it hasn’t always been smooth barely speaking one word sailing. answers. Since joining STRIVE “In 2016, I was very ill and it took this year not only is she able many weeks to diagnose the problem,” to clearly communicate her she explains. “This experience helped feelings but she’s exceeded our me understand how short life is. It made expectations in reading and me learn to enjoy the smallest things in writing too,” she smiles. life and live life to the full – because you It’s this commitment to never know when it could be taken away have a positive impact, as well from you.” as her incredible experience Just as she helps her students to and expertise, that makes her overcome adversity, throughout her a well-respected leader at the illness Karen never showed signs of school. slowing down, and her innovative and Leading a team of 31 creative leadership is continuing to take education assistants, she has a the school to new heights. IM way of instilling confidence in her staff and helping them develop strategies for students that really make a difference. “We have an amazing group of staff Strivinghen something is meant to be, That significant moment came when Karen forShe’s a fierce advocate of students with who support each other, laugh with one it will be – and when Karen was confronted by the third armed hold-up at additional learning needs and works tirelessly another and work together to get the best Warren finally stepped into the the bank in six months. She pulled the pin on to help every student succeed. possible outcomes for students,” Karen classroom, it was a long time banking and revisited her childhood dream of Recently, after identifying an opportunity says. “I’m proud that we go above and Wcoming. life in a classroom. to transform the way students with special beyond for students each and every Media Sponsor Growing up playing ‘school’ with her She went on to study to become an needs are taught in the classroom, Karen day.” sisters sparked a dream that became reality as education assistant with a focus on children developed an innovative program called While never far from the hit92.9 is home to the freshest young Karen began to study teaching. with special needs. The decision, she says, was STRIVE. classroom, as learning support hits, best old school tunes and Everything was falling into place – until the best she ever made – and that sentiment STRIVE ensures these students get coordinator Karen works closely the home of RnB Fridays, RnB life got in the way. is shared by her colleagues and students at intensive and tailored support, while giving WA Education Assisant of the Year finalists with students and teachers to deliver Fridays Live and our World Having to say goodbye to her studies, she Challis Community Primary School. them time in mainstream classes to maintain Top to bottom: individual learning programs, builds Famous Rooftops. The action began working in banking where she stayed for “We work with children who face all sorts social and academic connections with their Marie Dunne, Butler College; strong relationships with parents, doesn’t stop on air, with all the the next 21 years. of challenges in their lives,” she says. “It’s classmates and teachers. Linda Tulip, Greenwood College; mentors her peers, provides professional hilarious antics also caught on It would take something significant to get incredible to see their faces light up when they “We now have 12 students in STRIVE Peta Hooper, Cassia Primary School learning and coordinates parent groups. our Facebook, Instagram and Karen back on track. achieve something they don’t think they can.” who work closely with staff to achieve their Snapchat. Check it out!

12 13 she wants them to go to school every day as she did. Her positive impact on students at the college in the Wheatbelt east of Perth is undeniable. With 600 students from THE Kindergarten to Year 12, it’s a big country school. Jeanette welcomes every Aboriginal student and their family to the college when WA Aboriginal and Islander they first enrol. She organises transport to Education Officer of the Year take students to and from school. She goes finalists GIFT to homes to discuss children’s absences. She Top to bottom: makes sure children have food to eat and Kelly Wylie, West Beechboro uniforms to wear to school. Primary School; Alongside this, she also teaches Noongar Isobel Bevis, John Tonkin College; and has introduced professional Laycee Coles, East Narrogin OF learning for her colleagues Primary School to provide extra support for Aboriginal students. In a recent school survey, every single Aboriginal parent confirmed they felt welcome at the “If you want school – and Jeanette was identified by many as the person behind that. “I know from my own personal to achieve ducation is the most powerful weapon experience that education is vitally important which you can use to change the so what I do in getting students to school is anything in world.” the first part of that process,” she says. Jeanette Hayden knows only too And there’s been a significant educationEwell the reality behind Nelson Mandela’s improvement in the attendance of primary life you cannot inspiring words. school-aged Aboriginal students. She felt happy and included at school – Principal Beverley Stanes says Jeanette and wants the students at Merredin College to is a crucial link between the school and the give up. That’s feel that way too. Aboriginal community. An Aboriginal and Islander education “She plays a significant part in bringing the best piece officer at the college, Jeanette – who’s the school and the Aboriginal community affectionately known as Jeno – says she loved together by meeting regularly with parents school. “I went to school every day because and providing a greater voice for the of advice I have I wanted to learn,” she recalls. “Mum always Aboriginal community,” she says. said that if we kids didn’t go to school we’d “She’s well respected in our community ever received.” never get anywhere in life. and provides a great deal of historical “I want my students to feel the same way information to deepen understanding – to look back on my classes and remember of family relationships and cultural them as fun and happy times.” sensitivities.” Jeanette went to Karrinyup Primary Jeanette says she’s easy going but tough School and later Scarborough Senior High when she needs to be. It’s this toughness School before moving back to Merredin where that’s helping her realise her goal of seeing Gold Partner she was born and now calls home. students succeed after secondary school. She admits that completing Year 11 and “A couple of years ago I worked with Since 1995, many of Australia’s 12 at TAFE when she was 20 years old was a student in secondary school,” she recalls. best and well-known hard but helped her get to where she is today. “He wanted to be a diesel mechanic and I had organisations have aligned For the last 15 years she’s been working to push him to get his marks up to what he themselves with Kinetic IT for with Aboriginal students in Merredin, first needed. proven end-to-end IT solutions. as an education assistant at North Merredin “He graduated from Year 12, won an We believe our success is Primary School and then as an Aboriginal and apprenticeship at a mine up north and is now a result of our adaptable, outcome-driven services, and Islander education officer at Merredin Senior a qualified diesel mechanic at that mine. WA ABORIGINAL AND through the authentic and High School, a role she has continued since He has since bought a house, a car and a ISLANDER EDUCATION enduring relationships we the schools amalgamated to form Merredin motorbike – and is only 23 years old. build with our crew, customers, OFFICER OF THE YEAR College in 2012. “If you want to achieve anything in life partners, suppliers and the With a determined focus to see students you cannot give up. That’s the best piece of local communities where we grow up and “make something of their lives”, advice I have ever received.” IM work and live.

14 15 WA School Services Staff Member of the Year finalists “ People will Left to right: Kathryn Dillon, Armadale Senior always remember High School; Lisa Mitchell, East Kalgoorlie Primary how you make School; James Roelofs, Esperance Senior them feel.” High School

began to understand the importance of being at peace with myself. That experience made me stronger and more willing to live life and create wonderful memories. It also taught me that I’m actually stronger when I have the support of those who love me.” Michelle’s a fighter. She fights for her THE POWER OF students even more fiercely and, when they leave school, she wants them to remember her as someone who cared for them and never gave up on them. “A couple of years ago I went to the wedding of a student I had counselled for three years,” says Michelle. “She had been n idyllic childhood on a she decided to go back to university to study we have had. With all your thoughtfulness severely at risk and was twice admitted to a farm in a small Wheatbelt counselling. and generosity, you have taught us many life mental health unit. town was where Michelle Michelle is now part of the school’s lessons. Thank you for all the times that you “When she left school I referred her to WORDSDirksz dreamt of one day student services team, counselling students and have been there for us.” an external counsellor but I continued to meet Abecoming a famous author. mentoring staff so they too can better meet the While her career is about helping others, with her occasionally. When she was planning She loved writing stories and needs of students. she also knows the importance of self- her wedding she asked me to help and I was poetry as a child. Her Year 7 teacher There’s no doubt it can be a difficult job. improvement and looking after herself. so happy to be involved. Watching her get even told her he wanted to read a She and her colleagues1 often hear sad stories “I’m passionate about learning as much married was a highlight of my career. book penned by her one day, so it when working with students with complex as I can so I can make a difference in the “She wrote me a card that I will always came as no surprise to those who backgrounds. But this doesn’t mean you won’t world,” she says. “I can’t imagine a time treasure, thanking me for caring and for knew her when she decided to hear laughter coming from the office. Michelle when I won’t be improving my knowledge.” always believing in her. People will always become a journalist. says they prevent compassion fatigue by not She’s currently studying the remember how you make them feel.” IM “I worked as a journalist for taking themselves too seriously and taking the neurobiology of trauma and childhood many years and, although I absolutely time to enjoy the company of staff and students. trauma. “My dream is to work for the United loved the job, it came with some She’s in what she calls a privileged Nations and fly to countries where they have challenges,” she recalls. position of helping students and staff. She experienced a traumatic event and work with “There was no such thing as enjoys forming meaningful bonds with them those affected,” she says. GPS when I started and I was useless through initiatives to boost the confidence and One of the most important lessons at reading road maps! People would mental health and wellbeing of students. Michelle has learnt from her own experiences draw me mud maps so I could find my She goes into classes to check on students, is that nothing is forever. The pain we Gold Sponsor way around. For some strange reason organises events like Mental Health Week and sometimes feel, she says, can be fleeting or I kept those mud maps for years until Multicultural Week, and arranges for inspiring prolonged but it’s not forever. Civica is a market-leading I couldn’t shove any more into the experts to speak at the school. She mentors A diagnosis 10 years ago meant seven specialist in digital solutions, glove box ‘just in case’. To this day, students who want to follow in her footsteps to weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She critical software applications one of my greatest fears is being lost.” pursue careers in youth and social work. She’s kept this difficult news from almost everyone and outsourcing services that It was the human interest stories also set up a Buddy Zone for students who need because she didn’t want to burden them and help teams and organisations WA SCHOOL that the self-described ‘directionally extra support. thought she’d be stronger going through it around the world to transform SERVICES challenged’ journalist and now Her tireless dedication to helping students on her own. In doing so, she learnt some the way they work. In Australia, STAFF MEMBER student support coordinator at has made her an invaluable asset to school staff valuable life lessons. Civica provides 3,500 K-12 Rockingham Senior High School and no one appreciates her support more than “It was a really difficult journey and I schools Australia-wide with OF THE YEAR was drawn to. She loved speaking the students. A thank you note from a Year 11 spent a lot of time thinking about who I was comprehensive software solutions, with people and discovering what student perhaps best sums it up: “Thank you and what I wanted in life,” she says. and managed ICT services. We made them tick. It was one reason for helping us throughout all the tough times “I started practising mindfulness and are proud to sponsor the WA Education Awards.

16 17 WA Premier’s Excellence in Aboriginal Education Award finalists Left to right: Broome Senior High School; East Kalgoorlie Primary School; Wiluna Remote Community School

Today, 100 students attend Bayulu Deputy principal Jane Salt, who has role model,” she says. “We aren’t just AIEOs Remote Community School. taught in the Kimberley for much of her career, here, we all wear different hats. We are all “The community has a strong affinity with describes Bayulu as a big family. grandmothers, aunties, mothers. the school that goes back to the cave school “The staff are given Aboriginal skin names “A good day for me is seeing a lot of days,” says principal Leon Wilson. so they feel a sense of belonging and we work kids around, happy and playing together and “We see that affinity at assemblies, cross-culturally to see learning outcomes in the classroom doing their best. I remember NAIDOC Week events and sports carnivals improve,” she says. going into a staff meeting and Leon had the where the generations prior – parents, That endeavour is embedded across the NAPLAN results that showed us how our kids grandparents, uncles and aunts – come in to school. had moved up. That melts my heart when I see reminisce, look at old photos and share stories “At our last planning session, we talked our kids growing. with our students. about having a focus on curriculum, effective “We are proud of them and proud of the “We’re a unique school. With the teaching and early childhood education. teachers we’ve got. They push our kids to generations that have come through here, We know that early intervention is the most be the best they can be and we want that to there’s a really strong bond between the effective way to ensure our kids can read, write continue.” IM community and school. The school has always and have a good grasp of numeracy,” Leon been viewed by the community as one that is says. effective.” “It’s also about consistency with It’s a sentiment shared by Cissy Nugget, relationships, instruction and curriculum one of the school’s six Aboriginal and Islander delivery. For example, one teacher uses a education officers1 (AIEOs) who were all past particular language to describe a concept and students of the school. another teacher the following year uses the “The community “I came to the school in 1968 and now I’m same language. The data flows through as well back here teaching all the grandkids,” Cissy because everyone is doing the same thing. says. “This helps our kids enormously because has a strong “My oldest sister and other family nine out of 10 don’t speak standard Australian members were at the cave school and that’s English at home.” affinity with the where education started. Our family was very It’s this focus on strong relationships proud of that, and we take school and education with students and the community as well as very seriously. We have pride in it.” the tangible commitment to every student’s school that goes Unlike many remote community schools, learning by all staff that makes this school Bayulu is not in the community. Each day, stand out. back to the cave students catch a bus to school from six Jane says staff work closely with SET IN STONE communities – Bayulu, Gillaroong, Karnparrmi, the six AIEOs and are leading the way WA PREMIER’S t’s February 1957. In a cave on the side of the Joy Springs, Ngalingkadji and Mimbi. in implementing the Aboriginal Cultural school days.” EXCELLENCE Parmarrjarti Hills just south of Fitzroy Crossing It’s everyone coming together that makes Standards Framework. Successin the Kimberley, 20 children are sitting at desks the school such a close knit community. “I always ask the AIEOs first about IN ABORIGINAL on the sand floor doing lessons. They are the “The word that describes the Gooniyandi decisions that have an impact on the school,” EDUCATION AWARD Ichildren of the Gooniyandi people who have come and Walmajarri people as one mob is she says. off the river and the Walmajarri people who have Parmarrjarti,” Leon explains. “They play a key role in developing our come off the desert to live and work on Gogo “That’s the name of our school council, the school vision and plan; they’ll be here long Station. It’s the first day of school and this is the Parmarrjarti School Council, because it’s saying after the current teachers have left.” first station school in the State. that at this school we are all one mob. You put Perhaps Charlene Davis, who has worked Five years later, a single classroom and teacher your purple shirt on and those divisions by at the school for 11 years as an AIEO, best accommodation are built just 400 metres from the language or community go out of the window sums up why the school is such a success. cave school. once you’re here.” “Everyone at the school is a leader and a Platinum Partner Photo courtesy of the State Library of Western Australia BA1240/32

18 19 “We embed our strategic directions non-routine and multi-step problems. Third, leadership across the school.” through a coaching approach to ensure for humanities and social sciences, we use The board and parents and citizens’ understanding and practice in every classroom a guided inquiry approach for students to association are integral to the school’s that leads to improved student outcomes,” develop critical and creative thinking. success. The P&C seeks advice from the says associate principal Natalie Oddy. “Our fourth priority is for teachers to board and principal about how funds raised “We track student progress and this explicitly teach strategies for students to read can best support student learning. CAPTURING is underpinned by a strong approach to and write successfully as part of a broader Board chair Michael Hodgkins is pleased curriculum differentiation from Kindergarten literacy program. This includes higher order with the school’s strong position. to Year 6. thinking skills and an emphasis on inferential “The board is one of the many strong “Our students perform incredibly well on comprehension. links between the school and the Jolimont national assessments. On average, 70 per cent “Our final priority is innovation and community, and we’re pleased with our LEARNING of students now achieve in the top 25 per cent STEM – science, technology, engineering and close partnerships with the P&C and City of of the State.” maths – which includes robotics and coding Subiaco,” he says. WA PRIMARY SCHOOL As a Teacher Development School to challenge and extend students’ problem “Our role in planning and evaluating OF THE YEAR for early childhood education, humanities solving and computational thinking.” school policies and programs is continuous and social sciences, teachers are regularly The judging panel describes the school – and we provide a network of support and observed by colleagues from other schools as inclusive, happy and productive, with accountability for the school’s leaders.” n the classroom and in the nature seeking to improve their teaching. thorough self-assessment and planning The staff are proud that the school has playground; with robots, books and For students, there are five priorities processes. risen to the challenge of being ‘small but models; talking, running, playing which Barbara says are supported by the “We saw a school where students and mighty’. and sharing – everything Jolimont school community “with delight”. their learning are central, where the board “This year, ‘joy’ has been a focus as we momentsIPrimary School does is captured as a “First, we challenge our most able and staff are actively and genuinely involved, celebrate and recognise the tremendous efforts learning moment. students,” she explains. “We vary what we and where there is rigorous debate about of our students, staff and community. We With 280 students and 45 staff, teach and how we teach. teaching,” says panel chair Alison Ramm, are looking forward to building ‘wonder and it’s punching above its weight and “Second, we look at how top performing Wheatbelt Regional Executive Director. curiosity’ in 2018,” Barbara says. IM growing rapidly with a 25 per cent nations teach maths and use this. So we “We also saw evidence of outstanding increase in students in the past two teach mathematical thinking to solve leadership and numerous examples of shared years. “We want our students to be curious, lifelong learners,” says principal Barbara Iffla. “We take both a professional and personal responsibility for their learning. We have a clear moral purpose to work as a team, share our expertise, use research-based teaching practices, and analyse data to enrich students’ education.” High quality teaching is a defining aspect of the school, with an emphasis on feedback for students and staff. Teachers go into each other’s classes to observe lessons, and support improvement and progress. Children learn through hands-on and creative activities. In devising the nature playground, for example, students, parents and staff hopped on a bus to visit other playgrounds; and “We want our guest speakers talked with students WA Primary School of Gold Sponsor about safety to help them come up the Year finalists with a design which was then built. Clockwise left to right: Teachers Health is the only private students to be For student council elections, Subiaco Primary School; health insurance fund exclusively the school calls in the WA Electoral Narembeen District High School; for the education community. Commission so students learn about Rockingham Beach Education Established in 1954, Teachers Health curious, lifelong election processes. Support Centre now covers the lives of over 310,000 Alongside this sits differentiated, teachers, education staff and their formal and explicit instruction – with families around Australia. Teachers learners. plenty of room for teachers to show Health is committed to giving back their individual style and flair. to the education community. We’re proud to sponsor the 2017 WA Education Awards.

20 21 WA SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

WA Secondary School of the Year finalists “With Carine, there is such a Left to right: Esperance Senior High School Margaret River Senior High School OF SUCCESS cultural sense around school Melville Senior High School n ambitious goal to land Carine Today, its students embrace an Senior High School in the top abundance of opportunities – while still improvement.“ five public schools in the State nabbing surfing titles – and their academic is no pipe dream, according to results and other achievements have Athe judges of this year’s WA Secondary surged. Optimism permeates the school come to school not only to learn, but to gain “The best part of my job is speaking with part in building the business plan,” Jim says. School of the Year. along with the salty air. a love for learning and to come to think for students. You know when students genuinely Specially appointed associate principals, WaveIn some times past, the 44-year-old No longer ‘cruisey Carine’, parents ourselves.” think a lot of who you are and what you supported by performance managers, monitor school on Perth’s famous northern coastal are seeking it out for their children to get Awards judge Jim Webb, who has seen represent,” he says. every student to make sure they are on the strip had been known locally for its a top class education. hundreds of schools in his career, was struck Part of this respect has been won by path to achieve personal success. successful surfing program among other Students are enjoying learning from by an overwhelming sense of positivity. his down-to-earth style, characterised in his The rising results are proof that the new things. And, some might say, a fairly inspiring teachers. Like Isaac Flake, who “With Carine, there is such a cultural annual arm-wrestling challenge with students. ways are working. Outstanding leadership, laidback ‘surfer’ attitude. says, “One of my teachers told me that we sense around school improvement and it’s “I’m undefeated!” he laughs. creative use of school resources and team performing well above expectations,” says Rapid transformation across the school work are key ingredients to this success – with Jim, North Metropolitan Regional Executive – most visible in a new uniform and the a strong feeling in the school community that Director. reinstatement of a house system and faction everyone is involved, everyone is important. A few years1 ago just one in five senior carnival at the students’ request – was Clearly the school has not reached the students completed a certificate II or higher possible because the whole school community crest of the wave; it’s still rising. IM vocational education and training qualification has taken on responsibility for continuing while at school. Academic results were not improvement. where they could have been. When the judges visited, they took care A sea change in leadership in 2014 saw to speak with the most important people – the Damian Shuttleworth come on board as students. principal. “What they told me is that teachers and The driven and friendly skipper with staff really listen to them,” Jim Webb says. a passion for fitness immediately set about “The improvement is so well ingrained, the changing the school’s direction, vesting staff, kids are saying that it’s cool to achieve. They students and parents with the confidence and also know exactly who to speak to if they need Bronze Sponsor space to have their voices heard about what to raise an issue. And they know they’ll be they wanted from its education programs. listened to.” Fotoworks is WA owned and Now, seven out of 10 students leave In the words of Year 11 student Struan operated and we’ve been school with a certificate II qualification and Nel, who has been selected as a 2018 class servicing WA schools for over 35 some even with a more advanced certificate prefect, “We’re unique at Carine because years. Our core philosophy of III. Students can study in a range of areas we’re one big family – we make sure we all ‘We Care’ is reflected in from automotive and business, to engineering, succeed and strive for greatness together.” everything we do. Fotoworks digital media and technology. There’s a real and deep cultural strives for excellence every step of Academic results are also on the up, as commitment from everyone, from the the way. We are thrilled to partner seen in Year 12 results and students taking out principal down, to provide the best education with the Department of Education individual academic awards. for students. in congratulating the finalists and An educator for 20 years with a broad “School planning is impressive – the winners. suite of skills, Damian says the role of students have a strong voice and the staff can The Fotoworks Difference principal is extremely fulfilling. articulate the school’s focus areas and their – We Care

22 23 Inspire is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No-Derivatives W: education.wa.edu.au 3.0 license (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/). If you wish to reproduce this work in whole or part E: [email protected] for commercial purposes or with changes, please contact the Department of Education. It is also available on T: 9264 4876 request in appropriate alternative formats.