Chris Capra, Ben Weeks, in running for prestigious Principal of the Year Award
Principals at two major state schools are among finalists for a prestigious national award, while a number of other Gold Coast schools have also been short-listed for glory. FULL DETAILS
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Leaders from two of the Gold Coast’s biggest schools are among finalists for the title of Principal of the Year at the prestigious Australian Education Awards.
Palm Beach Currumbin State High School (PBC) executive principal Chris Capra and Robina State High School principal Ben Weeks have been short-listed along with seven other principals from across the nation for the award of best principal of a government school.
The winner of the award will be in the running with winners of the independent school and primary school categories to be named overall Australian Principal of the Year in a ceremony in Sydney on Friday night.
In a statement, the Gold Coast Secondary Principals Alliance said it was “thrilled” to see two principals from the city in line for the sought-after award.
“The annual Australian Education Awards is the leading independent awards event in the K-12 education sector,” they said.
“These awards showcase top-performing schools, principals, department heads and teachers for their outstanding achievements and transformative work making a huge difference to the lives of young people.
“... We have no doubt our amazing Gold Coast State Secondary Schools has what it takes to come out on top.”
A spokesperson for PBC said they were “blessed” to have Mr Capra lead their school.
“Chris doesn’t lead so much as he empowers – he is happy to step back from the limelight,” they said.
“He is an enabler at a local level and a changemaker at a state level, leading with a unique approach that allows staff space to exercise their expertise.
“Chris compliments his drive for achievement with a heavy focus on wellbeing. You will hear his catchphrase often, ‘you have to show them how much you care, before they’ll let you show them how much you know’.”
Mr Weeks was described as a “visionary” principal who goes above and beyond for his students.
“Ben inspires, motivates, and supports his staff, students, and parents towards a shared vision of academic excellence and personal growth,” a Robina State High School spokesperson said.
“He is committed to creating a positive learning environment that promotes the well-being and success of all members of the school community.”
Meanwhile another Gold Coast school, Miami State High School, is among finalists for the Secondary School of the Year award at government level.
All three schools are also represented in other categories at the awards.
Cherie Nelson of Robina State High School – described as a leading educator in STEM subjects – is a finalist for the Secondary School Teacher of the Year award for government schools.
Both Robina and Miami State High are also in the running for the award for Best Professional Learning Program.
PBC is a finalist for the Best Co-Curricular Program award for its Reds Wellbeing Portal, and is also short-listed for the Best First Nations Education Program award.
In the non-government sector, Mary Giles from St Hilda’s Anglican School in Southport is nominated for Primary School Teacher of the Year, while Jamie Jones from Josiah College in Carrara and Mitchell Mills from Saint Stephen’s College in Upper Coomera are finalists for the Secondary School Teacher of the Year.
Iain Taylor of Saint Stephen’s College in Upper Coomera is among nominees for the Department Head of the Year, while Emmanuel College in Carrara is on the list of finalists for the Best Use of Technology Award.
Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School in Tweed Heads is up for four awards: Educations Rising Star of the Year for Alyssa Malone, Best Use of Technology, Innovation in Early Learning Design and Best Professional Learning Program.
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