Best Gold Coast principal revealed

A Gold Coast principal has been given top honours at this years education awards, taking out the title of principal of the year.

A GOLD Coast principal has been given top honours at this year’s education awards, taking out the title of principal of the year.

Miami State High School Principal Sue Dalton was today announced the South East region’s Principal of the Year in Queensland’s 2019 Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools.

The Griffith University Jack Pizzey Award winner was selected by the Regional Department of Education panel for her outstanding leadership on the coast over the last two and a half years.

Ms Dalton said she was shocked when she was told of her win.

“I didn’t even know I was nominated so it was a nice surprise,” she said.

Miami State High School Principal Sue Dawson Pic Tim Marsden

FULL INTERVIEW WITH MIAMI STATE HIGHSCHOOL PRINCIPAL SUE DALTON

“The most pleasing thing to me was the fact the community nominated me, so it validates for me why I do my job – they have placed a lot of trust in me.”

The experienced principal said her education philosophy was centred in a belief in strong instructional leadership and effective classroom practices.

“A good teacher to me is one that is very passionate about what they teach, they are connected with the students and nothing is more important,” she said.

“Resources should compliment the teacher, not be used to teach the students.”

In a social media post the Miami High Community congratulated Ms Dalton for her win.

“We are very proud to have Mrs Dalton as our Principal and experience first-hand the influence she has had on Miami High and the wider community.

“Congratulations Sue it is a privilege to share in this amazing accomplishment.”

Other Gold Coast Schools also won big at the awards

Pimpama State School took out the QUT showcase award for Excellence in Inclusive education.

Merrimac State High School received the QSuper Showcase Award for Excellence in Secondary Years.

FULL LIST OF SOUTH EAST WINNERS INCLUDE

The Network Ten Showcase Award for Excellence in the Early and Primary Years

Winner: Beenleigh Special School, ‘I’ve got more to say’ – differentiation is the key to success

Commendation: Mudgeeraba Special School, Case management – ensuring every student succeeding

Commendation: Kimberley Park State School, PILOT your way to STEM success

The QSuper Showcase Award for Excellence in the Secondary Years

Winner: Merrimac State High School, STEAMing to international success

Commendation: Beenleigh State High School, Operation ComMANDO

The QUT Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education

Winner: Pimpama State School, The Pimpama State School diamond of inclusivity

The RemServ Showcase Award for Excellence in Parent and Community Engagement

Winner: Beenleigh State High School, Paddock 2 plate

Commendation:Park Ridge State High School, IMEx – a rhythm for life

Commendation: Tamborine Mountain State School, Jingeri Jimbelung Project

The Griffith University Jack Pizzey Award for Principal of the Year

Winner: Susan Dalton, Miami State High School