Six public schools from across Western Australia have been named as the best in their field at the state’s education awards on Monday.
Morowa District High School was handed the major award for excellence in school leadership.
Their strong focus on literacy, combined with a student leadership program aimed at giving students the chance to grow their skills, were highlighted as some of the main reasons they won.
School principal Tonia Carslake said she was honoured to accept the award.
“I’d like to congratulate and thank my amazing leadership team and staff for your outstanding work, care and commitment to our students, our master plan and our school vision of growing good people,” she said during her acceptance speech.
“I’m so proud to be your principal.”
Gwynne Park Primary received the award for excellence in teaching and learning for primary schools and Applecross Senior High School won in the same category for secondary schools.
This year a new category was announced for excellence in wellbeing and learning, and was awarded to Lockridge Primary for initiatives such as breakfast clubs and tailored mentoring programs.
The new category joined two others introduced last year – excellence in cultural responsiveness which went to Bannister Creek Primary, and excellence in disability and inclusion which went to Beachlands Primary.
WA Department of Education Director General Jay Peckitt said there were many people working in schools who were not receiving awards, but who demonstrated “incredible commitment to their students and deliver[ed] high-quality education day-in and day-out.”
The state’s Education Minister Tony Buti said the awards recognised the efforts of every staff member at the school who contributed to the education, support and care of students.
“I want to take a moment to thank and recognise the magic that happens in our schools every day that goes unnoticed,” he said.
“Education is the most powerful tool we have to make positive change for individuals, families, communities, the state and the nation.
“What a teacher says to a student, how a teacher instructs a student, can be transformative. I want every child in Western Australia to reach their full potential and reach for the stars.
“I want our students to strive to achieve their dreams, and I want the West Australian education ecosystem to encourage all students to pursue their dreams.”
Buti also used the event to announce that Western Australia’s school system will receive an overhaul as dramatically declining numbers are staying in school to obtain their West Australian Certificate of Education.
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