Willmot Public School principal Carley Bugeja awarded prestigious National Excellence in Teaching Award

Meet the principal who prides herself on nurturing the next generation of leaders in Sydney’s west and bridging the divide in disadvantaged communities.

Willmot Public School took home the prestigious National Excellence in Teaching Award on Monday.

With a career spanning more than two decades, one of Sydney’s west principals who prides herself on nurturing the next generation of leaders has been recognised as one of Australia’s most outstanding educators.

Carley Bugeja, the principal of Willmot Public School, was one of two principals to take home the prestigious National Excellence in Teaching Award and a $10,000 professional development grant from the NEiTA Foundation on Monday.

After eight years working at Willmot Public School with the past 12 months at its helm, Ms Bugeja said she was proud of what the community had achieved to support its 186 students in a place where challenges are experienced by many.

“When I arrived at Willmot Public School, I had never worked in a disadvantaged community, and knew little of the lifelong impact adverse childhood experiences can have on students,” Ms Bugeja said.

“I have so many complex feelings, but at its core winning the award really sings the praises of the excellence in public education and the work that happens in schools like Willmot to breach that equity gap.

Willmot Public School principal Carley Bugeja, with some students from her school, has been awarded prestigious National Excellence in Teaching Award.

“The recognition at the principal level is very humbling but it’s not a solo sport, I have an amazing team of educators and non educators, and the admin staff in my school, who share our vision and moral purpose.”

After realising the mainstream approaches to support and manage challenging behaviour was not working, Ms Bugeja began to learn about developmental trauma and switch up her teaching style.

With 46 per cent of Willmot Public School students identifying as First Nations, Ms Bugeja prides herself on leading an Aboriginal education program which evolved into a Yarning Circle.

“Yarning is an informal conversation that is culturally friendly,’’ she said.

“Yarning Circles are designed to allow all students to have their say in a safe space without judgement.’’

Another highlight of Ms Bugeja’s career was spearheading the shift from “punishment and consequences” to “helping and teaching lagging skills”.

“We are considered a lighthouse school for inclusion and trauma responsive schooling. Our students are taught about the brain and strategies for self-regulation,” she said.

“Feedback from the kids is that we’re creating a sense of belonging and safety in the community.”

Despite the prestigious award, the educator said the awards were not the reason behind her career.

“I don’t work for accolades or prizes. However, I am proud to accept the NEiTA Leadership Award on behalf of the entire school as acknowledgment for the remarkable outcomes we’re achieving,” she said.

NEiTA Foundation chairwoman Catherine O’Sullivan said Ms Bugeja was an “influential, caring and impactful educator” for the growing Blacktown area.

“As a gifted teacher and role model, Carley is transforming lives and leaving an indelible footprint on countless students,” she said.

“The Willmot Public School and Greater western Sydney communities are richer and more successful because of Carley’s ability to teach and guide young lives.”