Gold Coast state high school staff win prestigious awards
Some of the Gold Coast’s finest school staff have been recognised at a glittering awards ceremony. Find out who won, and why.
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Staff from state high schools have been honoured for their “invaluable work” at a glittering awards ceremony at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The awards, handed out in front of 500 guests at the Gold Coast State Secondary Education Ball on June 17, went to the overall winners in four categories which had a combined 57 nominees.
Chris Kern, vice president of organiser the Gold Coast Secondary Principals’ Alliance (GCSPA), said the awards recognised that the “greatest assets” in schools were their staff.
“This year’s event was a fantastic night of celebration and an opportunity for all school staff to relax, build networks, represent their school and support their award nominees,” Mr Kern said.
“This event provides us with a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the invaluable work of our greatest assets, our staff.”
Two external judging panels decided the winners, with representatives from Major Sponsors Griffith University, Bond University, Southern Cross University and TAFE Queensland along with Sharon Amos of the ENABLE Principal’s Alliance.
THE AWARD WINNERS
Excellence in Secondary Teaching Award
Geetika Sodhi, Merrimac State High School
The nominees in this category display success in student achievement, commitment to providing quality service to parents and students, excellence in classroom teaching practice and strong collegial working relationships within their chosen field.
Merrimac State High School’s Geetika Sodhi won the Griffith University Excellence in Secondary Teaching Award for her work in the role as Science Teacher and Year 10 Dean.
The judging panel were impressed with Ms Sodhi’s strong connections beyond the classroom establishing various initiatives such as community outreach programs, partnerships with local organisations and engaging with parents and guardians to create collaborative learning experiences for all students. Also, her focus on promoting student wellbeing, leadership, pathways and academic success while also maintaining positive attendance and behaviour outcomes.
Ms Sodhi received a $5000 bursary towards her professional development from Griffith University.
Excellence in Secondary Education Leadership Award
Rebecca Sochanik, Varsity College
The nominees in this category display leadership in their schools, commitment to developing quality of teaching and learning, and make significant contributions to other aspects of school life.
Varsity College’s Rebecca Sochanik won the Bond University Excellence in Secondary Education Leadership Award for her work in her role as Head of Department Teaching & Learning.
The judging panel were impressed with Ms Sochanik’s diverse leadership portfolio with clear outcomes for community and students. Ms Sochanik led the collaborative design and implementation of a structured and formalised Professional Learning Plan for secondary teaching staff.
Ms Sochanik received a $5000 bursary towards her professional development at Bond University.
Excellence in Educational Support Award
Kimberley Knowles, Foxwell State Secondary College
The nominees in this category go above and beyond in their roles, are outstanding role models, provide a positive image for their school and are demonstrating strong working relationships.
Foxwell State Secondary College’s business manager Kimberley Knowles won the TAFE Queensland Excellence in Educational Support Award.
The judging panel acknowledged Ms Knowles’ excellent implementation of a new school governance and really impressive contribution to establishing the school and ongoing impact.
Foundation Principal Kym Amor said: “Kimberley epitomises the Foxwell SPIRIT values and was a key factor in the school’s exceptional School Review.”
Ms Knowles received a $5000 credit to go towards studying a program with TAFE Queensland.
Excellence in Innovation Award
Accessible Assessment and Pedagogy Project, Benowa State High School
Nominees in this category display engagement in the design and implementation of learning innovations, demonstrated impact on students, teachers and communities and strong leadership at all levels to support innovation.
Benowa State High School’s Accessible Assessment and Pedagogy Project won the Southern Cross University Excellence in Innovation Award for the combined efforts of Benowa SHS’s staff in this innovative project.
The judging panel thought that it was a high impact project that is research-led, clearly having tangible impacts and has a strong partnership with QUT with strong outcomes.
Mr Matt Pickersgill collected the trophy as team leader and the group – that includes Ron Eyre, Dana Tucker, Shane Riley, and Bettianne Stuart – will take home a tailored development workshop delivered by Southern Cross University experts at their Gold Coast campus, designed to assist their next phase of growth, worth $5000.
PREVIOUSLY: FULL LIST OF NOMINEES
Staff at Gold Coast state schools who go above and beyond to help their students will be honoured at a glittering awards night on Saturday evening.
Dozens of staff from 16 state high schools have been recognised for their hard work and dedication with nominations in the Gold Coast State Secondary Education Awards.
The overall winners will be announced at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach on Saturday, where the Gold Coast Secondary Principals Alliance (GCSPA) is also holding its annual Gold Coast State Secondary Education Ball.
Among the nominees is Lisa Bellamy, Helensvale State High School (HSHS) Industry Liaison Officer.
Ms Bellamy is one of 15 nominees in the Excellence in Educational Support category.
“Lisa’s knowledge and support of students at HSHS is a credit to the school and we are grateful for all she has done to assist my son,” one parent said.
Also nominated in the category is Kimberley Knowles, Business Manager at Foxwell State Secondary College.
Foundation Principal Kym Amor said Ms Knowles “epitomises the Foxwell Spirit values and was a key factor in the school’s exceptional School Review.”
Among the nominees for the Excellence in Educational Leadership Award, Emma King, Acting Deputy Head of the Middle School at Robina State High School, is praised as an “empathetic leader” who “is inspiring and motivating to both staff and students.”
Also nominates is Chris Luckett, HOD Senior Science at Helensvale State High School.
“(He’s) an exceptional leader, who has made effective contributions to the teaching and learning environment within our school,” said Tiana Moore, the school’s HOD of Junior Science & STEM.
A host of exceptional educators have also been nominated for the sought-after Excellence in Secondary Teaching Award.
Among them is Stacey McCrohon from Palm Beach Currumbin State High School.
“It is the toughest and most rewarding job on the planet – I am proud to be a teacher.”
Read the full list of nominees and a description of why they have been nominated supplied by GCSPA below.
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
The winner of the Excellence in Education Support Award will receive a $5000 credit to go towards studying a program with TAFE Queensland. The school nominees in this category go above and beyond in their roles, they are outstanding role models, provide a positive image for their school and are demonstrating strong working relationships. Congratulations to all these wonderful school nominees.
Amber Taylor, Administration Officer, Benowa SHS
Amber’s daily tasks at Benowa range from working at the front counter to being the first aid officer, facilities officer and union delegate. Amber enjoys dealing with student teachers, visiting scholars, RTO staff, contractors, students and parents daily. Undertaking many varied roles including enrolments, payments, meeting coordination, first aid for students and staff, and working with contractors. Amber enjoys the wide variety of things she does and is a huge asset to the team.
Naomie King, Business Manager, Coombabah SHS
Naomie is a business manager dedicated to ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the Coombabah school community. Naomie’s key achievements include overseeing significant building improvements that have enhanced the learning environment, making it a more welcoming and secure place for students and staff. Writing successful grant applications and working with the local First Nations communities, helping staff feel secure, and ensuring the best outcomes for all.
Kylie Darr, Administration Officer, Elanora SHS
Kylie’s key roles are looking after supervisions, timetabling, DP support, Playground duty management, HR, reporting and coordinating non-teaching timesheets. Kylie is proud to contribute to a happy, supportive working environment by being a good team mate, offering to help and having a positive attitude. “Kylie plays a crucial role in the successful operations of our school. Kylie is efficient and analytical, solutions focused and her problem-solving abilities are highly tuned. Kylie really is one of a kind and irreplaceable.” – Rebecca McDonald, DP
Kimberley Knowles, Business Manager, Foxwell SSC
Kimberley began as the Foxwell SSC Business Manager 9 months before the school opened. Having an integral role in the development of this new and innovative school, Kimberley was part of the naming of the school, the design of the uniform, building the school’s IT infrastructure and seeing the project through to fruition as well as securing Stockland as a sponsor for the college buses. “Kimberley epitomises the Foxwell Spirit values and was a key factor in the school’s exceptional School Review.” – Kym Amor, Foundation Principal.
Lisa Bellamy, Industry Liaison Officer, Helensvale SHS
Lisa is passionate in her role and strives to make a difference in the lives of young people through supporting them in sourcing apprenticeships, traineeships and the selection of vocational courses. Lisa is committed to supporting students and school programs and is always researching and looking for more initiatives to introduce as a way of helping students gain positive outcomes at the end of their schooling journey. “Lisa’s knowledge and support of students at HSHS is a credit to the school and we are grateful for all she has done to assist my son.” – Year 12 Parent
Kyle Davies, IT Manager, Merrimac SHS
Kyle has a passion for technology and education, and a drive for continuous improvement. With strong technical skills, strategic thinking and ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, Kyle has successfully implemented a range of technologies, resulting in a positive impact on the school community. One initiative Kyle is particularly proud of is the successful rollout of QLearn. Parents, students, teachers and staff all love the ease of use of QLearn.
Marcus Walsh, Teacher Aide, Merrimac SHS
After many years working in various industries from construction to mechanics Marcus moved into education working with the ITD department, Trade School, and SEP department. Marcus has enjoyed evolving ITD to ensure facilities are well maintained and ideas are launched that better assist students in sparking an interest in a trade. For Marcus, working in education is about giving back to the community and helping shape a new generation to be triumphant.
Margaret Barnes, Educational Support, Ormeau Woods SHS
Margaret enjoys many roles at OWSHS including administration at the front office, finance – receivables, supporting the Health Hub (student wellbeing) and helping in the Resource Centre. “Margaret epitomises the school culture, is extremely hard working and enjoys new challenges in her role, always aspiring to grow her skills to support students and school improvements. Margaret goes above and beyond to support school leaders with operational, strategic and people matters and is a highly popular staff member.” – Daniel Murtas, Principal
Clair Doree, Administration Officer, Pacific Pines SHS
Clair has been with PPSHS since 2016 starting as a teacher aide and moving into administration in 2019. Clair plays a critical role ensuring the school’s operational efficiency. Clair is an integral part of the timetabling process working closely with management to ensure the placement of all staff and students. Clair also supports the work of teachers as a TrackEd data manager.
Craig Daley, Facilities Officer, Palm Beach Currumbin SHS
Craig started at PBC as a cleaner and progressed to be Facilities Officer taking great pride ensuring PBC is operational for all 3,000 students and staff. Craig enjoys getting any job done in the time required. The diversity of the role is what drives Craig. Being involved in major projects including consultation on the new sports hall and the library precinct, a never-ending job list as well as protecting our school’s wildlife, including curlews, possums, snakes and many other critters, all contributes to Craig enjoying life as a ‘PBC Red’.
Elliot Jackson, IT Officer, Pimpama SSC
Elliot constantly goes above and beyond to ensure high quality IT services are provided to staff, students and parents across the College. Extremely knowledgeable and approachable, Elliot feels no job is ever too big. From managing the school’s YouTube channel, the BOYD program, iPad implementation, CCTV maintenance and website management Elliot enjoys dealing with an always full workload, with a smile.
Joshua Mangal, Technical Officer, Queensland Academies Health Sciences Campus
Joshua takes pride in ensuring the technology systems are running smoothly and effectively at QAHS. Always keen to proactively identify and address potential issues and providing a timely and effective solution to minimise any impact on the school’s operations. Josh is an outstanding role model for staff and students with his commitment to providing a quality service.
Shannon Lester, Teacher Aide, Robina State High School
Shannon is a Teacher Aide for Indigenous Support and Inclusion Support and a proud Wannarua/Dharawal woman. Shannon has played an important role in establishing the school’s vision for how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is being filtered through all aspects of the school. Shannon has supported many first nation students achieve NAIDOC awards, KARI and QATSIF scholarships. Through her dedication to students, families and staff Shannon ensure the best outcomes can be achieved by those she supports.
Junko Williams, Finance Manager, Southport State High School
Junko is self-motivated and enthusiastic with a proven track record of success and dependability. Junko supports staff through the financial processes and is constantly looking for ways to upskill her team and make processes more effective. Junko has been key to implementing paperless processes, creating digital stamps and setting up online folders.
Leesa Shike, International Student Coordinator, Varsity College
Leesa is passionate about fostering a positive, safe and inclusive environment for international students. Leesa has collaborated with teachers, agents and other education professionals to be instrumental in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Leesa is also a long-time volunteer in the Wellbeing Space at Schoolies ensuring the safety of our young graduates.
EXCELLENCE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
The winner of the Excellence in Secondary Education Leadership will receive a $5000 bursary from Bond University. The school winners/nominees in this category display leadership in their schools, commitment to developing quality of teaching and learning, and make significant contributions to other aspects of school life. Congratulations to the following school nominees.
Matt Pickersgill, HOD English, Benowa State High School
Matt leads a team of dedicated English teachers through continuous improvement in curriculum and pedagogy. Leading by example, encouraging growth and building strong reflective teams. Matt has led Benowa’s partnership in Accessible Assessment Australian Research Council Linkage Award QUT Research Project. “Matt is an outstanding communicator and advocate.” – Jill Willis, PhD SFHEA
Erin Bolger, HOD Science, Coombabah State High School
Erin is the Science Head of Department and is focused on building the science curriculum and opportunities for all students to participate in science from years 7-12. Erin has shown outstanding leadership of highly effective teaching and learning programs. Creating additional non-ATAR pathway options for science has seen an overall increase of 119% in senior science subjects. “Erin’s passion for Science and her thoughtful and deliberate leadership is driving positive outcomes in all aspects of Science at Coombabah SHS”
Andrew Goodman, HOD Technology, Elanora State High School
Andrew has unified the Technology department under one umbrella, mapped and rewritten Junior Secondary Technology units to ACARA, and developed a school wide mark book system giving teachers the opportunity to track student goals and progress, to name just a few accomplishments. Andrew excels in adapting teaching style and programs to meet the needs of the school, staff and students, while fostering active participation and a positive learning atmosphere.
Danielle Goddaer, HOD Teaching & Learning. Foxwell State Secondary College
Danielle is integral in designing and implementing the whole of college’s approach to Deep Learning and inquiry. An advocate for deepening the learning of students through a focus on real world connection, this is evident by her development of the Activate program of entrepreneurship for the Year 9 cohort. Danielle is a HOD who can combine her passion, knowledge and understanding of curriculum with her dedication to providing a world of opportunity to students.
Chris Luckett, HOD Senior Science Helensvale State High School
Chris is committed to fostering a culture of learning, growth and inclusivity, believing that effective leadership involves building strong relationships with students, teachers and stakeholders to create a shared vision for success. Chris empowers and supports his team, striving to create an environment that encourages innovation, critical thinking and personal development. “Chris is an exceptional leader, who has made effective contributions to the teaching and learning environment within our school.” – Tiana Moore, HOD Junior Science & STEM
Lori Hayes, HOD Professional Practice, Merrimac State High School
Lori strives to ensure a guaranteed and viable curriculum through an intentional collaboration approach to sharing high expectations for teaching and learning, implementing effective pedagogical practices, quality assuring, aligning the curriculum and building a strong assessment culture.
Shane Courtenay, HOD ITD, Nerang State High School
As HOD ITD and Trades@Nerang program, Shane can concentrate on both students’ and teaching staff career aspirations, mentoring them in order to excel in their ambitions. In his ‘toolbox’ talks, his goal is to ensure 100% of his students receive an offer of employment before they graduate. By expressing his ambitions and how they have shaped him as a teacher and member of society, he tries to instil the same morals and values in the Trade students.
Libby Graves, Head of Year 7 and the Yabara House, Ormeau Woods State High School
Libby is responsible for driving the whole school strategic direction of differentiation and has led the development and implementation of Foundation Curriculum across English, Maths & Science. As part of developing the Year 6-7 Transition program, Libby has been instrumental in working with feeder primary schools to make this program a meaningful process and not an event. Libby leads collaborative projects for students allowing both primary feeder schools’ and Ormeau Woods State High students to experience activities across their counterpart school campuses.
Bridget Gutteridge, HOD Home Economics, Pacific Pines State High School
Bridget loves what she does, to lead, to inspire and to excite. With a passion for VET and genuine pathways for all students, Bridget was asked to lead the Work Ready program and led the overhaul of the program with great success. In the Home Economics Department Bridget led change and innovation, engaging with her expert team and re-igniting their passion to try new teaching practices and embrace opportunities in the school community.
Trent Hage, HOD Mathematics, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School
Trent is a leader who likes to keep things simple, making calculated adjustments that are tailored to the individual or the team. Trent has transformed a faculty of staff into a team that collegially engages, co-plan units of work, innovates around assessment, and leads school wide development of practices. Trent has introduced the use of video lessons via Educreations.com that have been used in numerous ways by teachers and students.
Michael Byrnes, HOD HPE, Pimpama State Secondary College
Michael’s personal philosophy centres around creating an inclusive learning environment where all students can succeed. Michael leads the HPE department to develop and articulate a shared educational vision focusing on providing quality learning outcomes for all students. He has worked at rebuilding school spirit over the past two years and his leadership is underpinned by a capacity to establish and maintain quality relationships with students, parents, community, and other members of the teaching staff.
Tammie Gilbert, HOD Contemporary Teaching & Learning, Queensland Academies Health Sciences Campus
Tammie is a lifelong learner and lover of disruptive education practices. As a teacher and a leader, Tammie supports those she engages with by using research informed pedagogical practices to improve their outcomes.
Emma King, Acting Deputy Head - Middle School, Robina State High School
Emma is committed to building high performing teams that deliver on Education Queensland’s vision of realising the potential of every student. Through her drive, innovation and influence, she plays a key role in enhancing Robina SHS’s strategic vision of implementing evidence-based practices, promoting high expectations, and delivering quality assurance of systems and processes. “Emma is an empathetic leader who strives to achieve the best outcomes for the school. She is inspiring and motivating to both staff and students.” – Hollie Robb, Deputy Principal, Inclusion and Wellbeing
Amanda Barrett, HOD Science, Southport State High School
Amanda is a hardworking professional educator who is committed to leading an expert teaching team that responds to individual student needs and talents, whilst delivering a guaranteed, viable, world class curriculum that is digitally rich and academically challenging and accessible by all.
Rebecca Sochanik, Deputy Head of School – Senior Schooling - Varsity College
Rebecca maintains quality relationships with students, parents, and other members of the teaching staff. She consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to the development of relationships based on trust, sustainability and a high level of authenticity and credibility. Rebecca’s strong interpersonal skills, high levels of intellectual and social capital and capacity to develop and sustain productive relationships, within and beyond the school community, allows her to achieve significant change, directly translating to improved instructional practice in Varsity College classrooms, and outcomes for students.
EXCELLENCE IN SECONDARY TEACHING
The winner of the Excellence in Secondary Teaching Award will receive a $5000 bursary from Griffith University. The nominees in this category display success in student achievement, commitment to providing quality service to parents and students, excellence in classroom teaching practice and strong collegial working relationships within their chosen field. Congratulations to the following school nominees:
Reza Aumeerally, Benowa State High School
“The Michael Jordan of Maths teachers” – HOD, Ben Callum. Reza reads Math Olympiad compendia for entertainment - gleaning the best challenges to challenge his Maths Methods and Specialist students, always pushing them to achieve at their best and making them realise how much higher their best can really be. A mentor to staff, Reza shares his mathematical knowledge with his colleagues, making connections across year levels, lifting the skills and knowledge of the team, and with that, the results of entire cohorts.
Yvonne Price, Coombabah State High School
Learning is not a journey that an individual student travels alone. Yvonne sees herself as part of a team that includes family, friends, as well as the school community who supports and challenges a student on their journey. Yvonne understands the student as an individual learner and does not rely on data alone to create learning experiences - Learning involves students, families and teachers working together in collaboration to achieve learning successes for a student.
Dannica Abood, Elanora State High School
Dannica’s passion lies in making a positive impact in the lives of young people. It is fundamental to take the time to get to know the students. The mission of ‘Creating positive change in the lives of young people across Queensland’ is her mantra when moments of challenge arise. Dannica’s goal is to create a positive, safe, happy learning environment that encourages students to excel to their highest level of capability and acknowledge their own unique gifts they bring to the classroom. Dannica continuously develops, organises and implements teaching and learning programs that are successful in promoting student achievement and fostering exemplary teaching practices.
Mami Yoshino, Foxwell State Secondary College
Mami’s life purpose and reason for being is to make the world a better place through the power of language education. As a foundation teacher at Foxwell SSC Mami has created a highly effective teaching program. Contributing to the development of the school’s identity, values, and processes, Mami models the school’s signature trademarks and celebrates all definitions of student success. Mami is currently conducting an action research project about how to promote reconciliation through languages.
Chelle Krosby, Helensvale State High School
Chelle believes that as teachers, we hold an incredible power to light the path to untold opportunities and bold and beautiful lives for our students – in creating classrooms where students are made to feel safe, supported, and valued for who they are and how they think, we also create space for curiosity, wonderment, and excitement about the contribution that students can make to the world around them. Chelle has embraced the opportunity to immerse her students in highly engaging lessons that are driven by clarity, purpose, and the desire to enhance students’ curiosity.
Geetika Sodhi, Merrimac State High School
Geetika is an experienced educational practitioner and school leader with a passion for lifelong learning and making a difference. With a commitment to optimising student and school success, driving her philosophy of teaching, she strongly believes in the power of relational learning and creating a positive and proactive classroom and school culture. “Geetika is a passionate educator who has a relentless focus on learning and quality student outcomes.” – Celia Norling, DP Merrimac SHS
Kim O’Shea, Nerang State High School
Every lesson Kim steps into the classroom with the intent to ‘Love my students, love my subject, and teach creatively’. It is important for students to know they are seen, heard, and loved as human beings with intrinsic value and worth. Kim helps students make connections between science and their lives and their enthusiasm with the wide range of pedagogies used and oftentimes unconventional activities that both delight and academically stretch students of varying abilities.
Elly Arnott, Pacific Pines State High School
“It made a difference to that one”. Like the moral of the Sea Star Story, Elly prides herself in making the little changes and connections. Students need to feel like they matter, they need teachers that matter, learning that matters, growth that matters. From little things, big things grow.
Stacey McCrohon, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School
Stacey likes to ignite both curiosity and deep critical thinking in the minds of all those she works alongside: students, teachers, support staff and families. Stacey’s diverse background has given her insight into the power of learning relationships, and it is only through enthusiasm, high expectations, reflection and persistence do we have the ability to help a child, to not only succeed, but to thrive in their own individual learning journey. “It is the toughest and most rewarding job on the planet – I am proud to be a teacher.” – Stacey McCrohon.
Paris Bromfield, Pimpama State Secondary College
Paris’ intentions as a teacher are to be fair, equitable, establish strong teacher-student relationships, increase student self-efficacy, understand students and their needs, and guide all students through their learning. Paris is committed to improving student efficacy by developing effective teaching and learning programs that are accessible, engaging, tailored to her students’ needs and have a strong link to the real world.
Dion Obst, Queensland Academies Health Sciences Campus
Dion takes great pride in the innovative and diverse learning environment at Queensland Academies. Dion helps to develop Global Citizenship and International Mindedness amongst learners, staff and community through his teaching practices and leadership, with an overarching commitment to valuing diversity, leading through inclusion, fostering project-based learning initiatives and developing enterprise mindsets.
Cherie Nelson, Robina State High School
Cherie is a dedicated teacher who believes that it is her duty to provide students with the skills that they require to be adaptable and successful in their futures, no matter what direction they may travel. With this in mind she provides students with genuine experiences that will help them be more resilient and empathetic, while being able to solve more complex problems and clearly communicate their findings or theories.
Mark O’Donohue, Southport State High School
Mark believes that preparing students for their future is the most important aspect of the job. Everything he does, from teaching math, to running a chess club, and to coaching rugby league, the goal is to help students become the best version of themselves and valuable members of society. Mark prides himself on his relationships with students and believes that being a positive role model is a top priority.
Jasmine Foster-Tuddenham, Varsity College
Jasmine is a committed and passionate teacher whose goal is to ensure the success and achievement of all students. Believing in a holistic approach to education that enriches students’ lives and equips them with lifelong skills. Jasmine is dedicated to sharing knowledge and understanding with colleagues and the wider community to inspire engaging lessons and foster a love of learning in students. The aim is to have a positive impact on the lives of all students and those in the teaching community.
EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION
The team receiving the Excellence in Innovation Award will receive a tailored development workshop delivered by Southern Cross University experts at their Gold Coast campus, designed to assist the next phase of growth, worth $5000.
Nominees in this category displayed engagement in the design and implementation of learning innovations, demonstrated impact on students, teachers and communities and strong leadership at all levels to support innovation. Congratulations to the following school nominees.
Accessible Assessment and Pedagogy Project from Benowa State High School
Benowa SHS’ project builds upon research findings from the school’s 2019-2023 partnership with the Accessible Assessment Australian Research Council Linkage Award QUT Research Project. From English, to The Arts, Science and now school-wide, they are taking the baton and focusing on accessibility principles in assessment and pedagogy. As teachers, students and parents see the benefits, our project team continues to grow.
A wonderful start to teaching with a wraparound support program from Coombabah State High School
The Beginning Teachers Program has been designed with precision, alignment, and intentional collaboration at the fore to generate a culture of learning. The program builds capability and confidence in our teachers with a deliberate line of sight, so they are enabled to meet and exceed all aspects of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Ultimately, our Beginning Teachers Program creates and nurtures excellence in teaching and learning.
Soul Sk8 from Elanora State High School
The Soul Sk8 program was created from research which highlighted one main factor that transcends nearly all others: the key to the successful education of a child is parental involvement. Our program builds and nurtures this parental involvement and provides an opportunity for the community to engage with their young people in a safe, structured environment. Soul Sk8 is a practical program that is research based and solution focused. It pairs up a student with a significant adult in their life to design and create a Canadian Rock Maple Cruiser skateboard. At the completion of the program, students and their significant adult walk away with a brand‐new skateboard but more importantly they leave with many positive memories and an achievement of creating a quality product together.
Mental Health Marketta from Foxwell State Secondary College
Our vision at Foxwell SSC is to provide a world of opportunity for every student, and we are guided by our motto. In line with our vision for our school and wider community, Foxwell SSC hosted a Northern Gold Coast Mental Health Marketta as part of Queensland Mental Health Week. This idea sparked from a genuine desire to engage and support our community with not only the hurdles COVID has presented us with, but the ongoing impact of mental health, housing, financial hardship and limited accesses to services. Through the combined powerful leadership of the working party, we were able to gather more than 30 mental health services and community businesses together in the one place for our community to learn, engage with and access from the Norther Gold Coast area.
Flexispace Learning from Helensvale State High School
Our Passion lies in promoting learning innovations that empower students to achieve excellence. The collaborative school team at Helensvale State High School designed and implemented an innovative and deeply considered flexible learning environment for students at risk. The team’s approach was strategic, innovative, and inclusive, with a focus on equity and excellence for all students. The vision was centred around providing an inclusive, differentiated, and engaging learning environment for students who were disengaging. The team created a flexible learning environment that offered a differentiated setting, with personalised student support, a safe and supportive atmosphere, inclusive pedagogy, and a high-quality curriculum. Through their multi-disciplinary approaches, they achieved equity and excellence for all students.
Deep Learning from Merrimac State High School
The New Pedagogies for Deep Learning are world-wide recognised pedagogical approaches aligning with the 21st Century Skills and authored by Michael Fullan, Jo McEachen and Jo Quinn (2018) and takes the position that deep learning puts the joy back into learning; is meaningful, gives purpose and unleashes potential for learners to thrive in turbulent and complex times…’ apply thinking to new situations, to engage the world and change the world’ through the 6 Global Competencies (6Cs); Communication, Collaboration, Character, Citizenship, Creativity and Critical Thinking. Deep Learning is different in scope than most other education innovations. At Merrimac SHS, by fully engaging in the 6Cs, students and teachers have a breadth of opportunity to engage in learning of real interest, authentic meaning, encouraging them to persist and want to succeed.
Woods and Tails from Ormeau Woods State High School
Woods and Tails is where students were educated and empowered collectively to express their innovation into a single product within an 8-week period and this, remarkably, was achieved. Completing 6 weeks of class lessons on entrepreneurship, the students were able to develop understanding around the roles of an entrepreneur, advantages and disadvantages of entrepreneurial endeavours, the importance of organisational charts, market research, branding, finance, profit and loss, marketing procurement and presenting to stakeholders. After the students’ hard work and dedication to the course and their product, the undeniable successes appeared in a multitude of ways. Students had sold about 70% of their products on the first day of their product launch.
Ready to Work program from Pacific Pines State High School
In order to effectively support students with diverse interests, Pacific Pines SHS adopted a student-centred approach to education. The development of the Work Ready Program was a method of channelling each student’s unique strengths, challenges and aspirations and tailoring teaching methods and resources accordingly. The ultimate rationale behind the development of the program is to empower students to transition successfully from high school and embark on a path that aligns with their passions and goals. The Work Ready Program provides the environment and support needed for students to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and helps them to build a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling future.
Protecting our Pollinators from Pimpama State Secondary College
How might students and industry collaborate on real world projects to accelerate learning about food systems, advanced manufacturing, plastic waste and the circular economy whilst creating value for the local community? In an Australian first, Australian Native Bee social enterprise Hive Haven and Pimpama SSC have formed a win-win partnership which is creating strong outcomes for the local community.
PSSC students are now manufacturing Hive Haven’s shade sails; the recycled plastic piece on top of the hive which helps prevent the bees from overheating. Not only are they learning strong manufacturing skills, but students have also designed a campaign to collect milk bottles from the local community which are then recycled and turned into the sails. Students are literally turning waste into a valuable product, which earns the school credit to invest in more hives. To date, students have successfully recycled over 2000 milk bottles.
Sport @ QAHS from Queensland Academies Health Sciences Campus
The unique learning environment at Queensland Academies for Health Sciences (QAHS) showed cause to create a unique physical activity and wellness program for the Academy. The goal was to create a sports environment at QAHS that emulated the importance of sustained physical activity through a school-wide approach to finding balance amongst a rigorous IB curriculum. The reshaping of the program allowed for greater engagement and continued to build a healthy house culture for our QAHS community to feel that sense of belonging, enjoyment and support. The two-fold focus of sport at QAHS now engages with whole school, with physical activity in our Risk Taker and Balancer pathways, each with a unique three-day sporting rotation. Our competitive sport environment takes into account whole school competition in Athletics and Cross-country as well as student driven inter-school teams. The above is underpinned by the school house culture, offering more interconnected experiences for students and teachers in their houses and a community at large. The program has become more purposeful for our student and staff body and better aligned with our internal culture of excellence.
Co-teaching program from Southport State High School
Co-Teaching was introduced to Southport SHS in 2021 as a core initiative of our journey to Full Inclusion. Previously in the Junior School (Year 7-9) there were two student support classes and two special education classes per year level. The majority of these students had verified disabilities, substantial and extensive needs and learning gaps. These classes were low in numbers and had permanent teacher aides allocated to them. SSHS investigated supportive practices for students that were more inclusive rather than segregating or integrating students. One of these core practices was Co-Teaching. We visited other schools to look at their models and created our own which was trialed in 2021 on a small scale before implementation in 2022/23.
EVENT SPONSORS
The GCSPA would like to thank event sponsors:
•Griffith University
•Bond University
•Southern Cross University
•Queensland TAFE
•MSP Photography
•Future Life Plan
•Study Gold Coast
•QTU - Queensland Teachers Union
•Domayne Bundall
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