A word from our event partner
Ian Pedler Head of Australia, Education Perfect
Awards in order of presentation
What to expect on the night
2023 Sponsors
Best Co-Curricular Program
The nation’s top educators and schools were recognised across 28 award categories, including the national awards of Education Perfect Australian School Principal of the Year and Education Perfect Australian School of the Year. The awards event – sponsored by Education Perfect, A Team Tuition, Grok Academy, Prime Super, AFL Schools, Ideagen Complispace, NRL School Ambassador Program and Soprano Design – was held at the exquisite Fullerton Hotel in Sydney and hosted by Australian comedian, radio and television presenter Merrick Watts. Serenading the audience was SongDivision, a talented Australian band who have played with some of music’s biggest names, from David Bowie to Beyoncé.
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Methodology
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Nominations A nationwide call for nominations was conducted from February to March 2023 using The Educator’s online channels. All nominations were submitted via the official Australian Education Awards online portal. Research and selection of Excellence Awardees The Australian Education Awards team conducted research and drew on industry knowledge and information gained through sister publication The Educator to identify the outstanding schools and individuals in each category that would receive an Excellence Award. Confirmation of Excellence Awardees Once the research was completed, Excellence Awardees were selected in each category (except Australian School of the Year and Australian School Principal of the Year) and notified via email. Excellence Awardees were announced on The Educator’s website on 15 May. Excellence Awardees for Australian School of the Year and Australian School Principal of the Year comprised the winners of the other school and principal categories and were announced at the event itself.
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GROK ACADEMY Best STEM Program
SOPRANO DESIGN Best Use of Technology
GROK ACADEMY Innovation in Curriculum Design
Innovation in Learning Environment Design
AFL SCHOOLS Primary School of the Year – Government
Primary School of the Year – Non-government
Boarding School of the Year
PRIME SUPER Regional School of the Year
Special Education School of the Year
Best School Strategic Plan
Best Student Wellbeing Program
Recognising Australia’s education superheroes
On Friday 11 August 2023, the best of what Australia’s education system has to offer was recognised and celebrated when more than 800 principals, deputies, department heads and teachers converged at the Australian Education Awards 2023.
We are committed to empowering educators with the time, insights and resources to help every learner achieve their full potential, so for us, it was very fitting to support the Australian Education Awards. It's so important to recognise and celebrate the nation’s top educators and schools who are leading the way and continually striving for excellence. We were delighted to sponsor the Australian School Principal of the Year and the Australian School of the Year awards, which recognised leadership, excellence and innovation. Congratulations to all of the finalists and the winners. The Australian Education Awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the outstanding achievements and commitment of teachers, whose efforts are the foundation of education in Australia. Education holds the key to a brighter future for our society. It is through education that we mould young minds, nurture their talents and inspire them to become the best versions of themselves. At Education Perfect, we believe in the transformative power of education, and so we are proud to support the awards and celebrate those that have demonstrated exceptional dedication and success in this noble field.
A TEAM TUITION School Principal of the Year – Government
PRIME SUPER School Principal of the Year – Non-government
Department Head of the Year
Primary School Teacher of the Year – Government
Primary School Teacher of the Year – Non-government
Secondary School Teacher of the Year – Government
This year, the Australian Education Awards introduced the new category of CompliSpace Best First Nations Education Program, which recognises schools that have fostered positive physical and mental health for Indigenous students. “We are proud to support the inaugural Best First Nations Education Program award,” Rachel Partis, head of customer at CompliSpace, told The Educator. “This award shines a light on the many creative and meaningful programs that nurture First Nations identity and culture to provide quality education in an inclusive environment.” Taking home the award was Marble Bar School in Western Australia. The school was recognised for its groundbreaking Virtual Worlds program, which won an international gold medal at the 2022 Asia Pacific ICT Awards (dubbed “the Oscars of innovation in ICT”). At the end of the night, the national award for Education Perfect Australian School of the Year went to Cook School, a specialised K-12 school that provides specialist support for students impacted by complex trauma, mental health conditions, behavioural difficulties and autism spectrum disorder. “We didn’t even know we were up for the Australian School of the Year award, so that was a total shock for us,” said Cook School principal David Hobson. “For a special education setting to be considered Australian School of the Year is potentially a first ever, so we’re absolutely blown away.” Hobson paid tribute to the school’s “wonderful, hard-working staff”, saying their critical work often went unrecognised by society at large. “We’ve got the most wonderful staff who just pour their all into it every day. I’m so honoured to work with them. It may be a Friday night, but I can’t wait to get back to school on Monday just to share this with our staff, because this is just so well deserved for them,” he said. Hobson puts the school’s success down to its high standards and expectations for all staff and students. “We work with the most vulnerable students in the system. All our students are with us because they have not been able to achieve in a regular mainstream setting, but that doesn’t mean we lower the bar. It means we absolutely give them everything they deserve,” he said. “This award is a real validation for the staff that what they do is meaningful, and that people recognise that what they do is important.” The award for Best Student Wellbeing Program went to Berry Public School, whose Living Ripples initiative has seen marked improvements in students’ mental health, social connections and academic outcomes. The school’s principal, Bob Willetts, said the success of the program had been widely recognised and the school was now the hub of a community of practice focused on student wellbeing. “Student wellbeing and building resilience definitely is a cross-sectoral issue. We really need to put aside the public/private issue to focus on what is best for the children and students in our communities and our society more broadly,” Willetts told The Educator. “In saying that, equity matters and funding matters. The wellbeing and learning research in Australia clearly show that many issues negatively impacting on our students and schools are exacerbated by socio-economic disadvantage, as well as in rural, regional and remote settings. The vast majority of these students are in the public sector.” Willetts said that at a macro level, the School Resourcing Standard needed to be more responsive to the publicly available learning and wellbeing data to move towards providing equity in Australian education. “At a school level, the partnerships and collaborations with each other, our associations and external organisations are vital to providing the resources required to develop and implement initiatives that enhance student wellbeing and learning outcomes.” In the Individual Awards category, the top accolade went to Barker College principal Phillip Heath, who took home the Education Perfect Australian School Principal of the Year award. “Considering the talent in Australian schools, to even be recognised among them is an enormous honour,” Heath said. “This award is a tribute to the outstanding people with whom I work, and the wonderful community of the school that I have the joy to lead. It’s also an enormous affirmation of what I’ve been dedicated to for my entire my life, and something for which I think I was born – to care for people in a community.” Explaining the philosophy underpinning his approach to school leadership, Heath said: “Education is, at its heart, a caring profession, and when done conscientiously, care is a gift of love. As a leader, you must love the students, the staff, the parents and the life of everybody in your community.” Despite the constant pressures associated with principalship, Heath believes it is not merely an operational role but “a celebration of humanity filled with love”. “This love must be genuine. Education is not achieved by anything less than the full commitment of a loving heart,” he said. “Like all effective heads, I’m a cheer squad for the students. I love to know and to enthuse about what they are doing at all levels of the school, whether it be their birthdays, their drama performances, their sporting matches, concerts, debates, dances or public addresses.” An essential component of personal growth in leadership, Heath said, is the allocation of time to connect to the life of the community itself. “There are no shortcuts. Headship essentially requires us to exercise what the literature refers to as ‘cultural and symbolic leadership’ through being present and attentive, through engaging purposefully and knowledgably about the life of our community.”
METHODOLOGY
JUDGING PANEL
AWARD CATEGORIES
SPONSORS
AGENDA
Barbara Watterston
Paul Taylor
Richard Stokes
Andrew Sezonov
Phil Seymour
Briony Scott
Derek Scott
Dr David Roy
Pat Murphy
Lila Mularczyk OAM, JP
Robert Marshall
Matthew Johnson
Tracy Herft
Steve Francis
Paul Foley
Allan Dougan
Murat Dizdar
Lindsay Crump
Darren Cox
Dyonne Anderson
Thank you to our esteemed judges for lending their time and expertise to help recognise and celebrate excellence in the K-12 education profession.
2023 Judging panel
Education Perfect offers world-class online learning that empowers teachers and students. EP saves teachers time with phenomenal resources, engages students with rich and adaptive learning programmes, and provides exceptional data analytics that enables educators to plan effectively and act with insight. We believe in a modern approach to learning that transforms education. We believe in making a difference. Contact details: Instagram: www.instagram.com/educationperfect LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/educationperfect/ Twitter: twitter.com/epforlearning Website: www.educationperfect.com
Event Partner
A Team Tuition partners with State, Independent, and Private Schools to deliver customised tutoring solutions that improve student performance, effort, and confidence. A Team Tuition works with your school to determine the best way to support your students and align with your curriculum. This may be in the form of an elective after school Advantage Program, a Boarder Advantage Prep Program, or providing students with our Metacognitive STAR Program. Contact details: Phone: +61 (0)7 5526 0351 Email: info@ateamtuition.com Website: ateamtuition.com/school-programs
Premium Partner
Grok Academy is a not-for-profit organisation made up of education, curriculum, and coding experts. We provide support for teachers and schools through teaching resources, professional development, and curriculum guidance. We work with teachers, schools, and students, providing online and unplugged teaching and learning resources. Contact details: Email: help@grokacademy.org Website: grokacademy.org
The partnership with heart. We have the team and expertise committed to delivering a seamless super experience for you and your employees. We’re here to build long-term relationships, and build financial confidence and knowledge in super. Because we’re independent and profit-to-member, you can be certain we have your employees’ best interests at heart. With close to 25 years’ experience in super, we manage approximately $6.2 billion in retirement savings for our 135,000 members working in education, health, aged care, agriculture, horticulture and recruitment. We invest in and support the societies where our members live and work and offer a sustainable responsible investment option to provide access to investments in companies with ethical practices. We put the heart into super. Contact details: Billie Atanasova National Sales Manager Phone: 0403 714 606 Email: BAtanasova@primesuper.com.au Website: www.primesuper.com.au
Ideagen help the quiet voices and safe hands that protect organisations to minimise risk, strengthen compliance and keep people safe. Ideagen CompliSpace, is a SaaS enabled solution helping organisations in highly regulated industries meet their governance, risk, compliance, and policy management obligations. Contact details: Phone: 1300 132 090 Email: contactus.complispace@ideagen.com Website: www.complispace.com.au
Award Sponsor
Richard Stokes Chief Executive Officer ABSA
Andrew Sezonov Group General Manager WPC Group
Phil Seymour Immediate Past President of NSW Primary Principals Association (NSWPPA) and Deputy President Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA)
Richard Stokes CEO, ABSA
Andrew Sezonov Group General Manager, WPC Group
Phil Seymour Immediate Past President of NSW Primary Principals Association (NSWPPA) and Deputy President, Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA)
Briony Scott Principal, Wenona School
Derek Scott Principal and CEO, Haileybury
Dr David Roy Lecturer in Education, University of Newcastle
Pat Murphy President, Australian Government Primary Principals Association
Lila Mularczyk OAM, JP Former Principal and Director of Education and currently Consultant for Universities, Schools, Systems and Advisory Boards
Robert Marshall Research Manager, Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia
Matthew Johnson National President, The Australian Special Education Principals’ Association, Representative General – International Confederation of Principals
Tracy Herft Deputy Principal, Strathcona Girls Grammar
Steve Francis CEO, Happy School
Paul Foley Leader of Humanities, Loreto College Marryatville
Allan Dougan CEO, The Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers
Murat Dizdar Deputy Secretary, School Performance – South, NSW Department of Education
Lindsay Crump Director of Marketing, Communications and Engagement Ravenswood
Barbara Watterston CEO, Australian Council for Educational Leaders
Paul Taylor Principal, Banora Point Primary School
Dyonne Anderson President; Principal, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Principals Association (NATSIPA); Cabbage Tree Island PS
Darren Cox Head of School Design, Sydney Catholic Schools
Excellence Awardees
Education Perfect offers world-class online learning that empowers teachers and students. EP saves teachers time with phenomenal resources, engages students with rich and adaptive learning programmes, and provides exceptional data analytics that enables educators to plan effectively and act with insight. We believe in a modern approach to learning that transforms education. We believe in making a difference. Contact details: Website: www.educationperfect.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/educationperfect LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/educationperfect Twitter: twitter.com/epforlearning
Primary School Principal of the Year – Non-government
NRL SCHOOL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Primary School Principal of the Year – Government
IDEAGEN COMPLISPACE Best First Nations Education Program
Best Professional Learning Program
Secondary School Teacher of the Year – Non-government
Education Rising Star of the Year
EDUCATION PERFECT Australian School of the Year
EDUCATION PERFECT Australian School Principal of the Year
Ideagen help the quiet voices and safe hands that protect organisations to minimise risk, strengthen compliance and keep people safe. Ideagen CompliSpace, is a SaaS enabled solution helping organisations in highly regulated industries meet their governance, risk, compliance, and policy management obligations. Contact details: Phone: 1300 132 090 Email: contactus.complispace@ideagen.com Website: complispace.com.au
EVENT PARTNER
Premium partners
Secondary School of the Year – Government
A TEAM TUITION Secondary School of the Year – Non-government
Judging The Australian Education Awards team sent the shortlisted Excellence Awardee submissions to an independent panel of judges comprising education industry leaders and senior representatives. The judges are well known and well respected within the industry and their judgement is impartial, balanced, incisive and fair. Any judge with a conflict of interest in a particular category recuses themselves from judging that category. Judges reviewed the Excellence Awardee submissions and allocated a score to each Excellence Awardee. The Excellence Awardee with the highest score in each category once the judging process was completed was named the winner in that category. Awards ceremony The winners in each category were announced at the Australian Education Awards official gala event and awards ceremony on Friday 11 August 2023 at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. Winners were also published on The Educator’s website.
Soprano Design is a global communications platform as a service (CPaaS) provider helping unleash the communication potential for educators, universities and students. By integrating email, SMS, voice, conversational AI, IP messaging and social channels like WhatsApp, into a seamless secure omni-channel experience, Soprano allows educational institutions to reach more of their communities. Contact details: Chelsey Vaux Email: chelsey.vaux@sopranodesign.com Website: www.sopranodesign.com
Secondary School Teacher of the Year Non-Government
Secondary School Teacher of the Year Government
Primary School Teacher of the Year Non-government
Primary School Teacher of the Year Government
PRIME SUPER School Principal of the Year Non-government
A TEAM TUITION School Principal of the Year Government
Primary School Principal of the Year Non-government
NRL SCHOOL AMBASSADOR ROGRAM Primary School Principal of the Year — Government
Soprano Design is a global communications platform as a service (CPaaS) provider helping unleash the communication potential for educators, universities and students. By integrating email, SMS, voice, conversational AI, IP messaging and social channels like WhatsApp, into a seamless secure omni-channel experience, Soprano allows educational institutions to reach more of their communities. Contact details: Phone: +61411419019 Email: chelsey.vaux@sopranodesign.com Website: complispace.com.au
AFL Schools provides Australian educators with a suite of curriculum resources that are high-quality and curriculum aligned, complemented by robust professional learning sessions. Our vision is to empower teachers to deliver quality content – both on the field and in the classroom – that encourages students to become more active and engaged. Contact details: Phone: 1800 7529 235 Email: schools@afl.com.au Website: www.play.afl/schools/
Graham Catt
Dr Chris Duncan
Dr Chris Duncan CEO, Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia
Graham Catt CEO, Independent Schools Australia
The NRL School Ambassador Program supports our hard working school staff to be the first to hear about additional resources, programs, accreditation and competitions. The NRL School Ambassador Program is your opportunity to connect with the NRL as a fan, coach or convenor – with great rewards for engagement. Contact details: Email: schoolambassadorprogram@nrl.com.au Website: www.playrugbyleague.com/schools
Dr Jo Bird
Dr Jo Bird Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Education, University of New England
Entertainment
Hosted By Merrick Watts MC
Party Band SongDivision
As one half of Merrick and Rosso, Merrick Watts took Triple J drive to ratings highs, was the first voice on the NOVA network and built a cult TV fan base with shows on Nine, Ten and the Comedy Channel. As a solo performer, Merrick has carved out a new course: as an actor on The Hollowmen and Underbelly; and as a comedian, touring a solo show for the first time in 2017 with Man of the House and appearing on TV shows such as Thank God You’re Here, The Project, and Hughesy We Have a Problem. He’s also been performing regularly as a panellist on Network Ten’s Studio 10. Still a regular on radio, Merrick recently had his own drive show on Triple M Sydney and he can now be heard regularly on a variety of stations across the country including regular appearances on 2GB. Merrick started a series of stand up gigs called Grapes of Mirth in 2018 which tour a range of his stand-up comedian mates to wineries around the country for acclaimed sell out shows. In 2020, Merrick undertook a physically and psychologically demanding training course as part of his appearance in Channel 7’s SAS: Australia. The record-breaking show saw Merrick push himself to the limit as he underwent a series of tests from the real SAS selection process. There are over 24 million people in this country and you’d be hard-pressed to find one that doesn’t know this radio veteran’s name. Merrick is well recognised as a leading performer in comedy and entertainment, and has a wealth of experience in MCing corporate events, awards nights, product launches, company Christmas parties etc. He can entertain your audience as auctioneer and even get results! To describe him as “multi-talented” is a gross understatement (at least that’s what he reckons!). He has the incredible ability to perform in any arena, big or small, and can cater his material for all audiences, including building a multi-media PowerPoint presentation chocked full of jokes, customised to suit your occasion! Based in Sydney but willing to travel, Merrick is perfect for those gigs that Vince Sorrenti said no to, or Richard Wilkins was too expensive for. He’s also capable of not swearing at absolutely no additional cost!
MC
Merrick Watts
SongDivision are the global leaders in musical experiences and pioneers in interactive entertainment. Above all they are a people engagement company. Since 2003 they have helped thousands of organisations around the world to strengthen connections between their people and have worked in 30 different countries, 15 different languages and played with world renowned artists such as Aerosmith, Guns N Roses, John Farnham, Guy Sebastian & more.
Party Band
SongDivision
Entertainment partner
SongDivision are the global leaders in musical experiences and pioneers in interactive entertainment. Above all they are a people engagement company. Since 2003 they have helped thousands of organisations around the world to strengthen connections between their people and have worked in 30 different countries, 15 different languages and played with world renowned artists such as Aerosmith, Guns N Roses, John Farnham, Guy Sebastian & more. Contact: +61 370 655 923 Email: katy@songdivision.com Website: www.songdivision.com
Entertainment Partner
Commemorative Guide
This year, the Australian Education Awards introduced the new category of CompliSpace Best First Nations Education Program, which recognises schools that have fostered positive physical and mental health for Indigenous students. “We are proud to support the inaugural Best First Nations Education Program award,” Rachel Partis, head of customer at CompliSpace, told The Educator. “This award shines a light on the many creative and meaningful programs that nurture First Nations identity and culture to provide quality education in an inclusive environment.” Taking home the award was Marble Bar School in Western Australia. The school was recognised for its groundbreaking Virtual Worlds program, which won an international gold medal at the 2022 Asia Pacific ICT Awards (dubbed “the Oscars of innovation in ICT”). At the end of the night, the national award for Education Perfect Australian School of the Year went to Cook School, a specialised K-12 school that provides specialist support for students impacted by complex trauma, mental health conditions, behavioural difficulties and autism spectrum disorder. “We didn’t even know we were up for the Australian School of the Year award, so that was a total shock for us,” said Cook School principal David Hobson. “For a special education setting to be considered Australian School of the Year is potentially a first ever, so we’re absolutely blown away.” Hobson paid tribute to the school’s “wonderful, hardworking staff”, saying their critical work often went unrecognised by society at large. “We’ve got the most wonderful staff who just pour their all into it every day. I’m so honoured to work with them. It may be a Friday night, but I can’t wait to get back to school on Monday just to share this with our staff, because this is just so well deserved for them,” he said. Hobson puts the school’s success down to its high standards and expectations for all staff and students. “We work with the most vulnerable students in the system. All our students are with us because they have not been able to achieve in a regular mainstream setting, but that doesn’t mean we lower the bar. It means we absolutely give them everything they deserve,” he said. “This award is a real validation for the staff that what they do is meaningful, and that people recognise that what they do is important.” The award for Best Student Wellbeing Program went to Berry Public School, whose Living Ripples initiative has seen marked improvements in students’ mental health, social connections and academic outcomes. The school’s principal, Bob Willetts, said the success of the program had been widely recognised and the school was now the hub of a community of practice focused on student wellbeing. “Student wellbeing and building resilience definitely is a cross-sectoral issue. We really need to put aside the public/private issue to focus on what is best for the children and students in our communities and our society more broadly,” Willetts told The Educator. “In saying that, equity matters and funding matters. The wellbeing and learning research in Australia clearly show that many issues negatively impacting on our students and schools are exacerbated by socio-economic disadvantage, as well as in rural, regional and remote settings. The vast majority of these students are in the public sector.” Willetts said that at a macro level, the School Resourcing Standard needed to be more responsive to the publicly available learning and wellbeing data to move towards providing equity in Australian education. “At a school level, the partnerships and collaborations with each other, our associations and external organisations are vital to providing the resources required to develop and implement initiatives that enhance student wellbeing and learning outcomes.” In the Individual Awards category, the top accolade went to Barker College principal Phillip Heath, who took home the Education Perfect Australian School Principal of the Year award. “Considering the talent in Australian schools, to even be recognised among them is an enormous honour,” Heath said. “This award is a tribute to the outstanding people with whom I work, and the wonderful community of the school that I have the joy to lead. It’s also an enormous affirmation of what I’ve been dedicated to for my entire my life, and something for which I think I was born – to care for people in a community.” Explaining the philosophy underpinning his approach to school leadership, Heath said: “Education is, at its heart, a caring profession, and when done conscientiously, care is a gift of love. As a leader, you must love the students, the staff, the parents and the life of everybody in your community.” Despite the constant pressures associated with principalship, Heath believes it is not merely an operational role but “a celebration of humanity filled with love”. “This love must be genuine. Education is not achieved by anything less than the full commitment of a loving heart,” he said. “Like all effective heads, I’m a cheer squad for the students. I love to know and to enthuse about what they are doing at all levels of the school, whether it be their birthdays, their drama performances, their sporting matches, concerts, debates, dances or public addresses.” An essential component of personal growth in leadership, Heath said, is the allocation of time to connect to the life of the community itself. “There are no shortcuts. Headship essentially requires us to exercise what the literature refers to as ‘cultural and symbolic leadership’ through being present and attentive, through engaging purposefully and knowledgably about the life of our community.”
This award recognises the most outstanding co-curricular program or initiative developed by a school in Australia, including special needs support programs. This award acknowledges the institution’s effective and innovative program in supporting classroom learning and development.
BACK
Minerva Canada, a non-profit volunteer-run organization, aims to be a global leader in health and safety management education by influencing the curriculum of post-secondary institutions to ensure that future engineers and business leaders create healthier and safer workplaces. The only organization of our kind, we raise awareness and strive to make occupational health and safety a mindset by providing initiatives and resources that assist colleges and universities in preparing tomorrow’s leaders in the skills of incident and injury prevention. For more information visit: https://safetymanagementeducation.com/.
This award recognises the most outstanding co-curricular program or initiative developed by a school in Australia, including special needs support programs.
Marsden State High School + Dance Excellence Program Palm Beach Currumbin State High School – REDs Wellbeing Portal Perth College Sports Development and Performance Program
iA Clarington Investments
Lauriston Girls’ School - Howqua Outdoor Program
WINNER
View profile
The Lakes College Culinary Club
Trinity Anglican School White Rock Campus Primary Year Six Connections
St Patrick’s College Townsville, Arts Program
St Peter’s Woodlands Grammar School – The DARE Diploma – Year 6 Graduation Diploma
St Patrick's College Townsville, Arts Program
St Peter's Woodlands Grammar School – The DARE Diploma – Year 6 Graduation Diploma
This award recognises the most outstanding STEM-based project or education program implemented by a school in Australia. This award acknowledges the institution who consistently supports and upholds high standards of STEM teaching and education.
“Grok Academy is proud to be sponsoring the Best STEM Program and Innovation in Curriculum Design awards. Quality teaching is critical to the success of our students and their impact on society. We thank the nominees for ensuring our future leaders, creators, and innovators have a strong foundation for the future.”
Grok Academy
“Grok Academy is proud to be sponsoring the Best STEM Program and Innovation in Curriculum Design awards. Quality teaching is critical to the success of our students and their impact on society. We thank the nominees for ensuring our future leaders, creators and innovators have a strong foundation for the future.”
Award sponsor
This award recognises the most outstanding STEM-based project or education program implemented by a school in Australia.
Marble Bar Primary School - Marble Bar Virtual World MLC School Sydney - Junior School Reef Guardian Schools Santa Maria College, Perth
Boonah State High School - Growing STEM in the Scenic Rim
Brisbane South State Secondary College
Trinity College (SA) – SPARK
St Patrick's College Townsville - #STEMLikeAPatsGirl
Brisbane South State Secondary College - STEMM(medical)
St Philip’s Christian College Newcastle
St Philip's Christian College Newcastle
This award recognises excellence in the use of education technology by an Australian school. This award acknowledges the institution who has successfully adapted and implemented technology in their school and curriculum to bridge the gap inside and outside the classroom.
Soprano Design is a global communications platform as a service (CPaaS) provider helping unleash the communication potential of educators, universities and students. By integrating email, SMS, voice, conversational AI, IP messaging and social channels like WhatsApp into a seamless, secure omni-channel experience, Soprano allows educational institutions to reach more of their communities. Contact details: Phone: +61411419019 Email: chelsey.vaux@sopranodesign.com Website: www.sopranodesign.com
Soprano Design is a global communications platform as a service (CPaaS) provider helping unleash the communication potential for educators, universities and students. By integrating email, SMS, voice, conversational AI, IP messaging and social channels like WhatsApp into a seamless secure omni-channel experience, Soprano allows educational institutions to reach more of their communities. Contact details: Phone: +61411419019 Email: chelsey.vaux@sopranodesign.com Website: sopranodesign.com
“Educators are always evolving to the need of their communities, often finding new ways to incorporate technological advancements into the learning environment. At Soprano we utilise our technology to enhance everyday communications and improve the involvement of each individual in the learning ecosystem. It’s an honour to sponsor the Best Use of Technology award to see the future ways technology is being utilised for the benefit of our community’s education.”
Matthew Rawbone, Regional Sales Director APAC
“Educators are always evolving to the needs of their communities, often finding new ways to incorporate technological advancements into the learning environment. At Soprano we utilise our technology to enhance everyday communications and improve the involvement of each individual in the learning ecosystem. It’s an honour to sponsor the Best Use of Technology award to see the future ways technology is being utilised for the benefit of our community’s education.”
This award recognises excellence in the use of education technology by an Australian school.
Emmanuel College Emmaus College – Languages (Italian 7–12) Larrakeyah Primary School Minarah College – Digital transformation program
Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School
Emmanuel College Emmaus College - Languages (Italian 7-12) Larrakeyah Primary School Minarah College - Digital transformation program
Brisbane South State Secondary College - Leveraging Digital
Ormiston College
Saint Stephen's College – eLearning
Grok Academy is a not-for-profit organisation made up of education, curriculum and coding experts. We provide support for teachers and schools through teaching resources, professional development and curriculum guidance. We work with teachers, schools and students, providing online and unplugged teaching and learning resources. Contact details: Email: help@grokacademy.org Website: grokacademy.org
Rachel Partis, Head of Customer, CompliSpace
Caulfield Grammar School - Kakadu Year 9 Remote Program
St Luke's Catholic College - Diploma + HSC Program St Philip's Christian College, Newcastle - SmartTrack Academy
St Clare's College Waverley - Lights, Camera, Change in Action
This award recognises excellence in curriculum design in an Australian school. The innovation can be schoolwide or subject specific.
St Catherine’s School – Teaching and Learning Framework
This award recognises excellence in curriculum design in an Australian school. The innovation can be school-wide or subject specific.
Trinity College (SA) - Blackham Environmental & Conservation Centre (BECC)
St John's Anglican College - Talking Keys
Mater Dei College - Passion Project
Ruyton Girls' School - Scholar Program
St Luke’s Catholic College – Diploma + HSC Program St Philip’s Christian College, Newcastle – SmartTrack Academy
St Catherine's School - Teaching and Learning Framework
This award recognises excellence in the design of a student learning environment in an Australian school.
Haileybury – Haileybury Pangea Online School Kildare College - Tullow Centre Marsden State High School Melba Copland Secondary School The King's School - School Wide Literacy Enhancement project St Paul's School - Design Led Ventures
Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, Early Learning Centre
Haileybury – Haileybury Pangea Online School Kildare College – Tullow Centre Marsden State High School Melba Copland Secondary School The King’s School – School Wide Literacy Enhancement Project St Paul’s School – Design Led Ventures
Caulfield Grammar School - A Cluster at Wheelers Hill Campus
This award recognises the most outstanding government primary school in Australia. The award acknowledges the institution who’s committed to exhibiting high standards of teaching and learning. The award also recognises the institution with innovative ideas aimed at improving quality education and creating an ideal curriculum.
“AFL Schools are incredibly appreciative of the support Primary Schools provide for our AFL programming, both on the field and in the classroom, and are very pleased to help recognise the Government Primary School of the Year.”
Rebecca Marshall, National Manager, AFL SCHOOLS
This award recognises the most outstanding government primary school in Australia.
Cessnock East Public School Governor Philip King Public School Tallimba Public School Wyalong Public School Yates Avenue Public School
Prospect North Primary School
Cabramatta Public School
Haileybury Lauriston Girls’ School
Chad Wilson, Ideal Mortgage Solutions
Matthew Flinders Anglican College
This award recognises the most outstanding non-government primary school in Australia.
Haileybury Lauriston Girls' School
Ormiston College Junior School
Penrhos College Junior School St Mary’s Parish Primary School, Greensborough Victoria Strathcona Girls Grammar
Penrhos College Junior School St Mary's Parish Primary School, Greensborough Victoria Strathcona Girls Grammar
This award recognises the most outstanding government secondary school in Australia. The award acknowledges the institution who’s committed to exhibiting high standards of teaching and learning. The award also recognises the institution with innovative ideas aimed at improving quality education and creating an ideal curriculum.
Ashdale Secondary College
Bentleigh Secondary College
Templestowe College
This award recognises the most outstanding government secondary school in Australia.
Canterbury Boys High School Marsden State High School Miami State High School
Cabramatta High School
Brisbane State High School
A Team Tuition partners with State, Independent and Private Schools to deliver customised tutoring solutions that improve student performance, effort and confidence. A Team Tuition works with your school to determine the best way to support your students and align with your curriculum. This may be in the form of an elective after-school Advantage Program, a Boarder Advantage Prep Program, or providing students with our Metacognitive STAR Program. Contact details: Phone: + 61 (0) 7 5526 0351 Email: info@ateamtuition.com Website: ateamtuition.com/school-programs
“At A Team Tuition, we are unwavering in our commitment to recognise and support schools that exceed expectations in their support for both teachers and students. With a track record of collaborating with more than 600 schools to create learning opportunities for students, we eagerly seize any chance to showcase a school that is committed to high standards of learning.”
A Team Tuition
Immanuel College Masada College St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School St Paul’s School
Balcombe Grammar School
Haileybury
This award recognises the most outstanding non-government secondary school in Australia.
Immanuel College Masada College St Margaret's Anglican Girls School St Paul's School
Emmanuel Catholic College
Trinity Anglican School, Cairns
This award recognises the most outstanding boarding school in Australia.
Fairholme College Kincoppal – Rose Bay Presbyterian Ladies’ College Perth
Stuartholme School
St Ursula’s College, Toowoomba
Fairholme College Kincoppal - Rose Bay Presbyterian Ladies’ College Perth
Clayfield College - Boarding House
Clayfield College – Boarding House
The partnership with heart. We have the team and expertise committed to delivering a seamless super experience for you and your employees. We’re here to build long-term relationships, and build financial confidence and knowledge in super. Because we’re independent and profit-to-member, you can be certain we have your employees’ best interests at heart. With close to 25 years’ experience in super, we manage approximately $6.2 billion in retirement savings for our 135,000 members working in education, health, aged care, agriculture, horticulture and recruitment. We invest in and support the societies where our members live and work and offer a sustainable responsible investment option to provide access to investments in companies with ethical practices. We put the heart into super. Contact details: Phone: 0403714606 Email: BAtanasova@primesuper.com.au Website: primesuper.com.au
The partnership with heart. We have the team and expertise committed to delivering a seamless super experience for you and your employees. We’re here to build long-term relationships, and build financial confidence and knowledge in super. Because we’re independent and profit-to-member, you can be certain we have your employees’ best interests at heart. With close to 25 years’ experience in super, we manage approximately $6.2 billion in retirement savings for our 135,000 members working in education, health, aged care, agriculture, horticulture and recruitment. We invest in and support the societies where our members live and work and offer a sustainable responsible investment option to provide access to investments in companies with ethical practices. We put the heart into super. Contact details: Phone: 0403714606 Email: BAtanasova@primesuper.com.au Website: primesuper.com
“Prime Super is pleased to sponsor the Australian Education Awards and honour the outstanding contributions of 2023’s best independent school principals and top regional schools, whose dedication to the futures of others we share.”
Lachlan Baird, Prime Super CEO
Haileybury Rendall School
This award recognises the most outstanding school in a regional or rural area in Australia.
The Rockhampton Grammar School
Newcastle Grammar School
St Edward’s Primary School Tamworth
Fraser Coast Anglican College
Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Red Bend Catholic College – Forbes Central West NSW Riverside Christian College, Maryborough, Queensland
Red Bend Catholic College - Forbes Central West NSW Riverside Christian College, Maryborough, Queensland
St Edward's Primary School Tamworth
Cook School
Carenne School for Specific Purposes Cranleigh School
Anson Street School
This award recognises the most outstanding school in Australia that provides care and education to students with special needs.
Bellbird Park State Secondary College
Glenallen School
Maryborough State High School St Peter's Heart, Campbelltown
Maryborough State High School St Peter’s Heart, Campbelltown
This award recognises the best strategic plan developed by a school in Australia. The plan can apply schoolwide or to a specific project.
Emmanuel Catholic College – Western Australia Loreto College Ballarat Scotch Oakburn College
Cornish College
Maryborough State High School
Westbourne Grammar School
St Saviour’s College, Toowoomba, Queensland
Corinda State High School
Emmanuel Catholic College - Western Australia Loreto College Ballarat Scotch Oakburn College
St Saviour's College
Pivot is Australia's leading provider of evidence-based tools to drive school improvement. We support student wellbeing, teacher professional growth and the pathway to school leadership. Proudly female-founded and female-led, we're on a mission to transform education with data insights, research and timely feedback. Contact details: Belinda Harries Co-founder and Executive Director Phone: +61 (0) 451 963 799 Email: belinda@pivotpl.com Website: www.pivotpl.com
This award recognises the most outstanding program or initiative developed by a school in Australia to improve student health and wellbeing. The program or initiative can apply to the entire school or a targeted group of students.
South Thornlie Primary School St Margaret's Berwick Grammar - Positive Mental Health Strategy
Berry Public School
Asquith Girls High School Haileybury Joseph Banks Secondary College
Loreto College Marryatville
Mooroopna Park Primary School
St Ursula's College Toowoomba
This award recognises the most outstanding boarding school in Australia. The award acknowledges the institution who’s committed to exhibiting high standards of teaching and learning. The award also recognises the institution with innovative ideas aimed at improving quality education and creating an ideal curriculum with the provision of a supportive home environment focused on student wellbeing.
This award recognises the most outstanding professional (staff) learning and development program or initiative implemented in an Australian school.
Joseph Banks Secondary College Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School Miami State High School Mt St Michael’s College, Ashgrove, Brisbane Queensland Children’s Hospital School St Catherine’s School
Canterbury College
Robina State High School
Joseph Banks Secondary College Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School Miami State High School Mt St Michael's College, Ashgrove, Brisbane Queensland Children’s Hospital School St Catherines school
Genazzano FCJ College
Genazzano Fcj College
Ideagen helps the quiet voices and safe hands that protect organisations to minimise risk, strengthen compliance and keep people safe. Ideagen CompliSpace is an SaaS-enabled solution helping organisations in highly regulated industries meet their governance, risk, compliance and policy management obligations. Contact details: Phone: 1300 132 090 Email: contactus.complispace@ideagen.com Website: complispace.com.au
“We are proud to support the inaugural Best First Nations Education Program award. This award shines a light on the many creative and meaningful programs that nurture First Nations identity and culture to provide quality education in an inclusive environment.”
This award recognises the best first nations education program developed by a school in Australia.
Bremer State High School Briar Road Public School Gorokan High School MLC School Sydney Palm Beach Currumbin State High School Presbyterian Ladies' College (Perth) Torres Strait Kaziw Meta
Marble Bar School - Integrated Virtual World
This award recognises the best First Nations education program developed by a school in Australia.
Bandiana Primary School
NRL SCHOOL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Primary School Principal of the Year - Government
The NRL School Ambassador Program supports our hard-working school staff to be the first to hear about additional resources, programs, accreditation and competitions. The NRL School Ambassador Program is your opportunity to connect with the NRL as a fan, coach or convenor – with great rewards for engagement. Contact details: Email: schoolambassadorprogram@nrl.com.au Website: www.playrugbyleague.com/schools
“School principals are the cornerstone of our communities, and the impact they make across the country is second to none. The NRL is pleased to support the Australian Education Awards in their efforts to recognise the outstanding work occurring in schools across Australia.”
Andrew Peach, General ManAger Schools Participation
“School Principals are the cornerstone of our communities and the impact they make across the country is second to none. The NRL is pleased to support the Australian Education Awards in their efforts to recognise the outstanding work occurring in schools across Australia.”
This award recognises the most outstanding principal of a government primary school in Australia.
Angela-Jane Gay, Young North Public School NSW Duncan Adams, Telegraph Point Public School Kaylah Gray, Krambach Public School Matthew Royan, Chatham Public School Megan Manson, Canobolas Public School Sandee Ising, St Agnes School
Kingston State School
Trent Cowley
Primary School Principal of the Year - Non-government
This award recognises the most outstanding principal of a non-government primary school in Australia.
William Wallace, Golden Grove Lutheran Primary School
Claremont College
Doug Thomas
Heather Holjevac, Holjevac Financial Group
Catherine Shaw, The Nature School Daniel Thomas, Melbourne Montessori School Katie Petchell, Perth College
Simone Reilly, Caulfield Grammar School
Audrey Fellowes, Clayfield College
A Team Tuition partners with State, Independent, and Private Schools to deliver customised tutoring solutions that improve student performance, effort, and confidence. A Team Tuition works with your school to determine the best way to support your students and align with your curriculum. This may be in the form of an elective after school Advantage Program, a Boarder Advantage Prep Program, or providing students with our Metacognitive STAR Program. Contact details: Phone: + 61 (0) 7 5526 0351 Email: info@ateamtuition.com Website: ateamtuition.com/school-programs
A TEAM TUITION School Principal of the Year - Government
“At A Team Tuition, we have collaborated with numerous school principals to ensure that every student has a chance to thrive academically. We are aware of the multitude of supportive and dedicated Principals who are tirelessly contributing to their communities, and we wholeheartedly embrace the chance to acknowledge and reward their remarkable efforts.”
This award recognises the most outstanding principal of a government secondary or K-12 school in Australia.
Michael West
Benjamin Weeks, Robina State High School Brenton Farleigh, Loganlea State High School Christopher Capra, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School Meaghan Cook, Hastings Secondary College Simon Done, Maryborough State High School Steven Cook, Albert Park College Tracey Rapson, Hunter River Community School
Anne McLauchlan, The Gap State High School
PRIME SUPER School Principal of the Year - Non-government
Alex Burke, EDUCATION PERFECT
Barker College
Phillip Heath AM
Fiona Williams, Casey Grammar School Josh Counsel, Discovery Christian College
This award recognises the most outstanding principal of a non-government secondary or K-12 school in Australia.
Annette Rome, St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar
Elizabeth Hanney, Siena College
Zeynep Yaseen, International Maarif School of Australia
Annette Rome, St Margaret's Berwick Grammar
Stephanie Kriewaldt, Lobethal Lutheran School
Daniel Crump, Stuartholme School
Paulina Skerman, Santa Sabina College
Brett Webster, Ormiston College
Danni Mattiazzo, Larrakeyah Primary School Iain Taylor, Saint Stephen’s College Lauren Ward, Dubbo College South Campus Michael Murphy, Norwood International High School Michele Brennan, Wenona School Paul Lowe, Bremer State High School
Marsden State High School – Education Queensland
Hope Laavia
This award recognises the most outstanding department head in a school in Australia.
Danni Mattiazzo, Larrakeyah Primary School Iain Taylor, Saint Stephen's College Lauren Ward, Dubbo College South Campus Michael Murphy, Norwood International High School Michele Brennan, Wenona School Paul Lowe, Bremer State High School
Marsden State High School - Education Queensland
Samantha Andonis, Trinity College (SA)
Shari Finlay, St Patrick’s College Townsville
This award recognises the most outstanding government primary school teacher in an Australian school.
Rochedale State School
Tara Barron
Carmel Spruhan, Larrakeyah Primary School Daniel Edwards, Montello Primary School Keegan Peace, Pallara State School Lauryn Fitton, Governor Philip King Public School
Primary School Teacher of the Year - Non-government
This award recognises the most outstanding non-government primary school teacher in an Australian school.
Libby Spencer, Pilgrim School Mary Giles, St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls Sarah Singleton, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School Vanessa Hodgkiss, Casey Grammar School
Brisbane Grammar School
Stella Gardner
Jemma Trendler, Ormiston College
Jack Anderson, Loganlea State High School Matthew Meinema, Joseph Banks Secondary College Mel Mace, Corinda State High School Sharon Davis, Maitland Grossman High School
Meg Bailey
This award recognises the most outstanding government secondary school teacher in an Australian school.
Cherie Nelson
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This award recognises the most outstanding non-government secondary school teacher in an Australian school.
Mitchell Mills, Saint Stephen's College Natasha Stenta, St Michael's College
Cobram Anglican Grammar School
Gary Smith
Julene Lander, Faith Lutheran College Redlands
Laura Main, St Philip's Christian College Cessnock
Kiera Lansdown, Emmaus College
Crystal Thompson, Brisbane Grammar School Jamie Jones, Josiah College
This award recognises the most outstanding teacher in a school in Australia who has been an educator for five years or less.
Alyssa Malone, Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School George Allen, Cobram Secondary College Georgi Eadie, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School Luen Tobar, Brisbane State High School Natasha Muller, Beaconhills College Nikki Asikas, Australian Science and Mathematics School (DfE)
Ipswich Girls' Grammar School including Ipswich Junior Grammar School
Stephanie Thomas
Ipswich Girls' Grammar School, including Ipswich Junior Grammar School
Andrew Paltridge, Canterbury College
This award recognises the most outstanding school in Australia. The excellence awardees in this category will comprise the winners of the following categories:
This award recognises the most outstanding school in Australia. The excellence awardees in this category will comprise the winners of the following categories: · AFL Schools Primary School of the Year – Government · Primary School of the Year – Non-Government · A Team Tuition Secondary School of the Year – Government · Secondary School of the Year – Non-Government · Special Education School of the Year
Education Perfect offers world-class online learning that empowers teachers and students. EP saves teachers time with phenomenal resources, engages students with rich and adaptive learning programmes, and provides exceptional data analytics that enables educators to plan effectively and act with insight. We believe in a modern approach to learning that transforms education. We believe in making a difference. Contact details: Instagram: www.instagram.com/educationperfect_au LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/educationperfect Twitter: twitter.com/epforlearning Website: www.educationperfect.com
· AFL Schools Primary School of the Year – Government · Primary School of the Year – Non-Government · A Team Tuition Secondary School of the Year – Government · Secondary School of the Year – Non-Government · Special Education School of the Year
“Education Perfect is proud to sponsor the prestigious national awards. We support leaders in education who drive high-quality teaching and learning, display a strong desire to continuously improve, and above all, implement systems and processes that make a real difference for students.”
IAN PEDLER, EDUCATION PERFECT
Prospect North Primary School Matthew Flinders Anglican College Templestowe College Haileybury
This award recognises the most outstanding school principal in Australia. The excellence awardees in this category will comprise the winners of the following categories: · NRL School Ambassador Program School Primary School Principal of the Year – Government · Primary School Principal of the Year – Non-government · A Team Tuition School Principal of the Year – Government · Prime Super School Principal of the Year – Non-government
This award recognises the most outstanding school principal in Australia. The excellence awardees in this category will comprise the winners of the following categories:
· NRL School Ambassador Program School Primary School Principal of the Year – Government · Primary School Principal of the Year – Non-government · A Team Tuition School Principal of the Year – Government · Prime Super School Principal of the Year – Non-government
LexisNexis® Canada Inc.
Phillip Heath
Trent Cowley, Kingston State School Doug Thomas, Claremont College Michael West, Bellbird Park State Secondary College
