Three public schools from across Western Australia have been named as the best in their field at the state’s education awards, with many regional facilities in the spotlight.
Shenton College was awarded the excellence in school leadership award, while Narembeen’s district school received the excellence in teaching and learning in its primary school and Girrawheen Senior High School won for secondary schools.
Winning schools from the 2022 WA State Education Awards.
Narembeen, almost 300 kilometres from Perth, was part of a list of finalists in its category dominated by regional and remote schools including Bunbury Primary School and Wananami Remote Community School — a 28-hour drive from Perth.
Principal Christine Arnold said the entire Narembeen community had banded together to shape the school into what it was today.
“I am very, very proud,” she said.
“Being part of a regional community in the eastern Wheatbelt has meant everyone in the town supports our kids, and that community spirit has been invaluable to us.”
She said a decade ago the school had been very different, but staff had worked hard with parents and local businesses to create change.
Arnold said the school’s focus on mental health also set it apart, with programs such as Smiling Mind in place, and the creation of a “happiness hub”.
“We have posters of sunflowers up in the hub and students can take one and bring it to the office if they need to talk to a trained teacher,” she said.
“The room also has colouring-in, yoga mats and a range of other activities for students if they feel they need it.”
Girrawheen principal Barbara Newton said the school was “overwhelmed with pride” to win the secondary school award.
“We want every child to achieve success, knowing that success will look different for each child. The school and the community is being recognised for its strength,” she said.
“We are a small school with a diverse student demographic ... Our measure of success is not just academic, we empower our students to become citizens who contribute positively to society.”
Shenton College principal Michael Morgan said he was “humbled and proud that the hard work of many has been acknowledged.”
“Students are finding their voices and leading other students to have a significant impact on major global issues like environment, conservation and equality,” he said.
“Our school believes ... a child’s true measure goes way beyond an ATAR, a grade or a mark, and that’s what makes Shenton College unique.”
Each winning school received a $10,000 prize to put towards a school project or program.
Education Minister Sue Ellery said the schools had demonstrated excellence at the highest standard.
“This year, the awards recognised whole-school efforts, and the impact that schools have on the growth and achievement of students,” she said.
“It’s important to recognise the collective impact that a whole school has on the growth and achievement of its students, as well as celebrate excellence in WA public schools.”
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