Full list: Gold Coast State Secondary Excellence Awards winners 2025

More than 500 teachers, school staff and guests gathered to recognise the “outstanding” work of our city’s educators. SEE THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Every finalist for the Excellence in Secondary Education Leadership Award at the Gold Coast State Secondary Excellence Awards 2025.

The Gold Coast’s best secondary teachers and school staff have been honoured at an awards night celebrating education excellence across the city.

More than 500 guests attended the annual Gold Coast State Secondary Education Excellence Awards on Saturday night at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Gold Coast Secondary Principals’ Alliance president Dan Murtas said the evening was a powerful reminder of the impact passionate, dedicated school staff had on the lives of young people.

“It was an incredible night to shine a spotlight on the professionals in our schools who go above and beyond to inspire, support and lead,” he said.

“Events like this give us the chance to celebrate their work, build collegiality and acknowledge the strength of our state education system.”

SEE THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Excellence in Secondary Teaching winner: Jade Tendolle, Humanities Teacher at Pimpama State Secondary College

Prize: $5000 course credit towards enrolment in the Griffith Advantage Leadership Program.

Excellence in Secondary Teaching winner: Jade Tendolle, Pimpama State Secondary College.

What does winning this award mean to you?

“Winning this award is incredibly meaningful and validating.

It’s a reminder of the value of staying curious and sharing openly and the impact that passionate, research-informed teaching can have when paired with a commitment to lifelong learning and collegial collaboration.

I’ve been fortunate to contribute to driving literacy and equity initiatives at Pimpama State Secondary College and this recognition reflects the collective effort of a community working to support every learner.

It’s especially meaningful to be recognised during a period of significant change in education, where collaboration and shared purpose matter more than ever.”

What are you hoping to gain through the sponsored opportunity?

“I’m excited to deepen my instructional leadership through the Griffith-sponsored program,

particularly in the areas of curriculum transformation and mentoring.

I hope to gain new tools and perspectives to strengthen how I lead change, support teacher development, promote curriculum innovation and ultimately enhance student outcomes.

It’s an opportunity to invest further in the work I’m already passionate about – building a positive, inclusive learning culture grounded in evidence-based practice.”

Excellence in Secondary Education Leadership Award winner: Samantha Blake, Head of Department Senior School at Merrimac State High School

Prize: $5000 credit towards a Bond University course.

Excellence in Secondary Education Leadership Award winner: Samantha Blake, Merrimac State High School.

What does winning this award mean to you?

When I arrived at Merrimac High, I was commissioned by principal Rachel Cutajar to generate the very best outcomes and pathway opportunities for our senior students in the school’s history.

Over four years, with our incredible team and amazing partnerships such as Bond University, we have exceeded our expectations and continue to build on this dream.

As a small school, we definitely punch above our weight with our outcomes and this award cements the hard work and drive we all share at our school to ensure the young people we serve, have the very best opportunities for success beyond school.

I am humbled to win this award and be a small part of the future success of so many of our students, as are my team.

What are you hoping to gain through the sponsored opportunity?

I’m excited about the opportunity to learn in such a brilliant education institution as Bond.

It’s important as educators to model the love of lifelong learning and to continually immerse

ourselves in our own education journey.

There are a few of the micro credential courses on leadership that look exciting or maybe even a Masters degree.

Excellence in Educational Support Award winner: Regina Kidd, Teacher Aide at Elanora State High School

Prize: $5000 credit towards a TAFE Queensland course.

Excellence in Educational Support Award winner: Regina Kidd, Elanora State High School.

What does winning this award mean to you?

It is a great honour, and I am very grateful to the staff at Elanora State High School for the nomination.

Personally, the award affirms the value and significance of the sustainability actions I have undertaken at my school for the past six years.

I am passionate about providing a forum, leadership opportunities and skills to students interested in promoting environmental awareness and driving positive change.

Together, we educate and encourage students and staff to make more informed, better choices that benefit the health and wellbeing of individuals and the planet.

What are you hoping to gain through the sponsored opportunity?

The TAFE QLD course that I am considering is the Diploma of Government.

I am very interested in the course topics, particularly those that address leadership, communication strategies, emotional intelligence and conflict management.

I have explored these topics formally and informally for many years and have applied what I have learned in my work at school and in my volunteer roles in Scouts and the community.

I appreciate the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and skills.

Excellence in Innovation Award winner: Scott Humphrey and Owen Carpenter representing the Trade Futures Program at Pacific Pines State High School

Prize: Professional development workshop by the Southern Cross University’s Teach Lab

team.

Excellence in Innovation Award winner: Scott Humphrey and Owen Carpenter representing the Trade Futures Program at Pacific Pines State High School.

What does winning this award mean to you?

Winning this award is incredibly humbling and affirming.

It recognises the truly collaborative effort behind the Trade Futures Program - our staff, students, industry partners, and community – all working together to create a meaningful and future-focused pathway for our young people.

This award validates the belief that innovation in education isn’t always about technology or trends – it’s about designing programs that respond to student needs with relevance, purpose and dignity.

The program has shown that when we genuinely connect learning to real-world opportunities, student engagement and confidence flourish.

What are you hoping to gain through the sponsored opportunity?

I’m hoping to deepen my capacity as an educational leader and broaden my understanding of how schools can drive innovation while still being inclusive and responsive to all learners.

(Southern Cross University) offers some impressive and interesting courses.

I’m particularly excited about diving into areas like evidence-based practice and systems leadership – tools that will help us refine the Trade Futures model and potentially support other schools looking to build similar pathways.

Originally published as Full list: Gold Coast State Secondary Excellence Awards winners 2025