EXCELLENCE AWARDEE: Best Use of Technology

Trinity College SA

Nick Hately

Head of Trinity College

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Trinity College is a large multi-campus Pre-school to Year 12 college located in northern South Australia. In 2024, Trinity College made a bold and strategic commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into education, positioning itself as an educational leader in innovative use of technology. Recognising the transformative potential of AI in education, the college intentionally embedded AI technology to foster critical thinking, analytical reasoning and richer learning experiences. Maintaining a commitment to academic excellence, Trinity College developed AI-focused rubrics, classroom learning activities and assessment tasks, all grounded in research and evidence-based practice. Through the strategic integration of AI, Trinity College is using technology to foster critical thinking, creativity and real-world problem-solving. With AI-focused rubrics, immersive learning experiences and professional development initiatives, the college has empowered both students and educators to be safe and responsible digital citizens. By prioritising ethical AI use, data security and collaborative inquiry, Trinity College has positioned itself as a leader in innovative education technology, ensuring staff and students are equipped with essential skills for a rapidly evolving digital world.

As an independent, forward-thinking girls’ school we are committed to preparing girls for a lifetime of learning, leadership and engagement in our global community. We believe in girls. At Ruyton Girls’ School we foster the individuality of each girl in a caring and safe environment, nurturing her intellectual, physical, social and emotional qualities that are essential to flourish. Powerful learning is central to the Ruyton culture, building on our strong academic reputation. We focus on advancing the learning of every girl through the engagement of intellectual curiosity, building their knowledge and skills about how to learn, and supporting them to achieve their personal best and be exemplary citizens. We believe in real-world learning beyond the classroom, collaborating with the wider community to promote growth, discovery and sustainability. We empower our girls to lead lives of purpose with courage, character and compassion. Through the development of values and action-focused learning they are inspired to pursue equity and justice for self and others. By embracing diversity and raising their voices, our girls effect positive change and make a difference.

Nick Hately has served as Head of Trinity College since 2010. Under his dynamic leadership, the college has flourished and is recognised as a leader in staff professional development, community engagement, pastoral care and STEM education. He has championed a thriving arts culture and fostered inclusion across all areas of school life. Nick is a passionate advocate for affordable, high-quality and impactful schooling. With a commitment to ongoing learning, he holds master’s degrees in Business Administration, Leadership and Administration and Teacher Education and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Renowned as an engaging and inspiring leader, Nick draws on his skills to build authentic, connected and high-performing communities.

Head of Trinity College

Nick Hately

Samantha Andonis is a leader for women in STEM, serving as Director of Innovation and Creativity at Trinity College. She oversees programs and initiatives within the Innovation and Creativity School, promoting collaboration and innovation in teaching. Samantha designs professional learning opportunities that integrate digital technologies and STEM education authentically. She organises events celebrating lifelong learning, innovation and creativity. She authored a comprehensive teaching framework for Early Years to Year 12, driving sustainable pedagogical innovation across the college. Her work earned recognition at the 2023 Australian Education Awards and a nomination for the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.

Director of Innovation & Creativity

Samantha Andonis

Allison Elcoate

Principal

Samantha Andonis

Director of Innovation & Creativity

Allison Stewart

Head Teacher – Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centre

Scott Sleap

NSW DoE, STEM Enrichment Coordinator

A proud Gulidjan woman living and working on Wiradjuri Country, Allison Stewart is the Head Teacher of the Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centre at Murrumbidgee Regional High School. With 28 years of teaching experience across primary and secondary schools, Allison has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the retention and educational outcomes of First Nations students while celebrating and preserving cultural identity. She has established cultural programs across the Griffith community of schools and embedded First Nations perspectives across the curriculum. Recognised with a Department Certificate and a Certificate of Recognition for her dedication to Aboriginal Education, Allison has been a driving force behind the award-winning Deadly STEMers program.

Head Teacher – Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centre

Allison Stewart

Professor Scott Sleap is a nationally recognised STEM education leader at the NSW Department of Education, where he leads the STEM Enrichment team. He is also Professor of Practice – STEM at the University of Sydney. A Winston Churchill Fellow and recipient of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching, Scott has driven innovative initiatives that build teacher capability and inspire students in future-focused learning. Through his leadership, strategic partnerships with industry, universities and government have flourished, creating authentic STEM opportunities for young people. His work champions equity, innovation and excellence in STEM education across Australia.

NSW DoE, STEM Enrichment Coordinator

Scott Sleap

(Left – Right): Head of Trinity College, Nick Hately, Director of Pedagogy & Practice Development, Lesley Johnson, Director of Innovation & Creativity, Samantha Andonis and Senior School Drama Teacher, Joshua Kerr.