FEATURED WINNER
Trinity College SA
“I had a picture of a house, and the house was Premiere Mortgage Centre”
Kerri Reed,
Premiere Mortgage Centre
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Professional Learning Program
www.trinity.sa.edu.au
linkedin.com/school/trinity-college-gawler
office@trinity.sa.edu.au
08 8522 0666
Cnr Alexander Ave & Trinity Drive, Evanston South SA 5116
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winner:
Professional Learning Program
Trinity College SA
Nick Hately
Head of Trinity College
facebook.com/TrinityCollegeBeenleighQld
@ruytongirlsschool
Leadership
Danielle Collins
Head of Primary
1188 Whakue St, Rotorua Central, Rotorua
Leadership
As Principal, it is a great privilege to lead such a vibrant community, built on the relationships and principles of a loving Christian family. We proudly embrace the 42-year Marist history at the college, integrating their values into daily life, especially through our pastoral care and wellbeing programs. These uphold the ideals of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, reminding us that “To raise children properly, we should love them and love them equally”. My goal is to be personally invested in every student’s success and to foster a support network between students, families and dedicated staff in a spirit of partnership and mutual support.
Principal
Allison Elcoate
@TDSLaw
Trinity College is a large multi-campus Pre-school to Year 12 school in South Australia, dedicated to holistic student success and continual improvement. Its flagship professional learning framework, Catalyst, combines complexity thinking, collaborative inquiry and adaptive leadership, addressing the rapidly evolving needs of education. In partnership with the University of South Australia and guided by Trinity’s Research Institute,
Catalyst offers flexible micro-credentialled modules that staff apply through cycles of collaborative inquiry.
Catalyst unites complexity thinking, teacher inquiry and adaptive leadership, bolstered by Trinity’s Research Institute and the University of South Australia. Staff engage in micro-credentialled modules, research-based projects and reflective collaboration, leading to a sustained culture of inquiry and practice-based evidence. Studies include meaning and purpose in Year 12, the impact of feedback on self-efficacy, and creative self-assessment. Participation soared from 10 to 340, with data revealing stronger engagement, literacy growth and richer classroom experiences. This ongoing cycle of feedback and adaptation continues to strengthen teacher professionalism and student outcomes at Trinity College.
The Lakes College Culinary Club (TLCCC) started with a team of 12 students and has now expanded to over 30 members, showcasing its continued success through participation in college events and even catering for local community organisations. This program not only imparts valuable culinary skills but also teaches the significance of community service, fosters practical abilities and cultivates a professional work ethic.
Spanning ages 11 to 18, the Culinary Club challenges students to create elaborate six-course degustation dinners and manage large-scale catering for college gatherings. Chloe, a Year 7 student, praises the program for imparting essential life skills in an enjoyable way among friends. Likewise, Emily values the connections she forms despite the program’s demanding pace.
Under the guidance of Chef Joel, TLCCC contributes to the college’s ethos and the students’ personal growth. The program’s commitment to local ingredients and culinary adventures is evident as it expands to include barista training and Responsible Service of Alcohol certification. The program seamlessly merges science, art and food technology, promoting discipline and shared responsibility. TLCCC embodies a commitment to service, community engagement and student leadership, cementing its unique character and contribution to The Lakes College.
The Lakes College Culinary Club (TLCCC) started with a team of 12 students and has now expanded to over 30 members, showcasing its continued success through participation in college events and even catering for local community organisations. This program not only imparts valuable culinary skills but also teaches the significance of community service, fosters practical abilities and cultivates a professional work ethic.
Spanning ages 11 to 18, the Culinary Club challenges students to create elaborate six-course degustation dinners and manage large-scale catering for college gatherings. Chloe, a Year 7 student, praises the program for imparting essential life skills in an enjoyable way among friends. Likewise, Emily values the connections she forms despite the program’s demanding pace.
Under the guidance of Chef Joel, TLCCC contributes to the college’s ethos and the students’ personal growth. The program’s commitment to local ingredients and culinary adventures is evident as it expands to include barista training and Responsible Service of Alcohol certification. The program seamlessly merges science, art and food technology, promoting discipline and shared responsibility. TLCCC embodies a commitment to service, community engagement and student leadership, cementing its unique character and contribution to The Lakes College.
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
Joe Wright is the fifth principal of Fraser Coast Anglican College and was appointed in 2018. Joe’s career has seen him work in different state and Anglican schools. He has previously been nominated for a National Excellence in Teaching Award. Joe introduced the college’s ‘Edge’ program, which won the ACEL Educational Futures Award in 2017. He has also been published in a range of educational journals. Joe treasures the relationships the staff have with their students and families and the vibrant college community and believes these relationships make the college a great school.
Principal
Joe Wright
Bellbird Park State Secondary College (BPSSC) prides itself on providing an innovative and inclusive education experience for all learners. Our college is extraordinary because of the incredible students, parents, community partners and staff who bring it to life each day. Since opening in 2017 with 212 Year 7 students and 31 staff, the school has been on a rapid journey of student growth and staff recruitment. BPSSC now has an enrolment of 1,800 students and 150+ staff members. Located in the aspirational, multiculturally rich Ipswich community (ICSEA 953), we’re exceptionally proud to be the school of choice in our community.
At BPSSC, we’re committed to supporting the success and wellbeing of every student as they transition through each stage of learning through our high-expectations, high-support approach. In 2023, 175 First Nations students are connected and thriving at our college. Our Many Pathways, No Limits mantra extends to all students, and we provide tailored differentiated, culturally appropriate educational opportunities for our First Nations students. Our approach to First Nations education is extensive, multifaceted and a whole-school effort effecting positive systematic change and outcomes for our students.
Bellbird Park State Secondary College (BPSSC) prides itself on providing an innovative and inclusive education experience for all learners. Our college is extraordinary because of the incredible students, parents, community partners and staff who bring it to life each day. Since opening in 2017 with 212 Year 7 students and 31 staff, the school has been on a rapid journey of student growth and staff recruitment. BPSSC now has an enrolment of 1,800 students and 150+ staff members. Located in the aspirational, multiculturally rich Ipswich community (ICSEA 953), we’re exceptionally proud to be the school of choice in our community.
At BPSSC, we’re committed to supporting the success and wellbeing of every student as they transition through each stage of learning through our high-expectations, high-support approach. In 2023, 175 First Nations students are connected and thriving at our college. Our Many Pathways, No Limits mantra extends to all students, and we provide tailored differentiated, culturally appropriate educational opportunities for our First Nations students. Our approach to First Nations education is extensive, multifaceted and a whole-school effort effecting positive systematic change and outcomes for our students.
Lesley is Director of Pedagogy & Practice Development, leading college-wide coherence in teaching, learning and research across six schools. Her leadership is grounded in collaborative, complexity-aware practice, empowering teachers to exercise professional judgement and grow through practitioner inquiry. She designs evidence-informed professional learning and ethical frameworks that strengthen inclusive practice, self-regulated learning and student wellbeing.
Known for a pragmatic, ‘power-with’ approach, Lesley cultivates social learning networks that align bottom-up innovation with college priorities, translating ideas into sustainable routines that benefit students and staff. As Director of the Trinity Research Institute, she is researching how networks, practices and value creation emerge in teacher-led inquiry to inform system-level improvement. Committed to developing whole people, she partners with leaders and faculties to connect pedagogy, curriculum and assessment, building a cohesive, future-focused learning environment in which staff and students can thrive.
Director of Pedagogy & Practice Development
Lesley Johnson
Nikki Robertson is a CPA with 25 years of experience. The majority of Nikki’s career has been in management accounting in the energy industry, in both Brisbane and the Surat Basin, with just a dash of tax accounting to add flavour. Her roles in the Surat Basin enabled her to develop skills in safety management, contract management and civil projects management. These skills have proven very useful in her role as Business Manager, particularly in overseeing the construction of the $10 million multipurpose centre at FCAC. She is passionate about her work at the college and believes building genuine connections with people in all areas of life is the key to happiness and success.
Business Manager
Nikki Robertson
Nikki Robertson is a CPA with 25 years of experience. The majority of Nikki’s career has been in management accounting in the energy industry, in both Brisbane and the Surat Basin, with just a dash of tax accounting to add flavour. Her roles in the Surat Basin enabled her to develop skills in safety management, contract management and civil projects management. These skills have proven very useful in her role as Business Manager, particularly in overseeing the construction of the $10 million multipurpose centre at FCAC. She is passionate about her work at the college and believes building genuine connections with people in all areas of life is the key to happiness and success.
Business Manager
Nikki Robertson
Allison Elcoate
Principal
Allison Elcoate
Principal
Lesley Johnson
Director of Pedagogy & Practice Development
Allison Stewart
Head Teacher – Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centre
Scott Sleap
NSW DoE, STEM Enrichment Coordinator
Danielle Collins
Head of Primary
Juliane Hallam
Head of Secondary
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
Ian Preston is an award-winning educator with over 30 years of experience teaching in rural and regional New South Wales. Based at Murrumbidgee Regional High School – Griffith, he serves as Deputy Principal of the NSW Virtual STEM Academy (NSWVSA) and leads the Murrumbidgee Academy of STEM Excellence (MASE). Ian founded both NSWVSA and MASE, which now engage thousands of students across the state. A Global Teacher Prize Top 50 finalist and recipient of the NSW Premier’s Prize for Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) Teaching, as well as the Commonwealth Bank Teaching Award and an Honorary Fellowship of the Teachers’ Guild of NSW, he champions equity and future-focused learning.
Deputy Principal – NSW Virtual STEM Academy
Ian Preston
With over 10 years of experience as a principal, Duncan Lovelock is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities in regional and rural New South Wales. Currently, he leads Murrumbidgee Regional High School – Griffith, which is renowned for excellence in STEM education through the Murrumbidgee Academy of STEM Excellence and the NSW Virtual STEM Academy. Duncan focuses on building positive relationships and leading with collaboration, equity and inclusion to help all students reach their full potential. His leadership emphasises evidence-based teaching, professional learning communities, STEM innovation, community partnerships and strategic governance to ensure continuous improvement, sustainable growth and educational excellence.
Principal – Murrumbidgee Regional High School
Duncan Lovelock
Ian Preston
Deputy Principal – NSW Virtual STEM Academy
Duncan Lovelock
Principal – Murrumbidgee Regional High School
Ian Preston is an award-winning educator with over 30 years of experience teaching in rural and regional New South Wales. Based at Murrumbidgee Regional High School – Griffith, he serves as Deputy Principal of the NSW Virtual STEM Academy (NSWVSA) and leads the Murrumbidgee Academy of STEM Excellence (MASE). Ian founded both NSWVSA and MASE, which now engage thousands of students across the state. A Global Teacher Prize Top 50 finalist and recipient of the NSW Premier’s Prize for Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) Teaching, as well as the Commonwealth Bank Teaching Award and an Honorary Fellowship of the Teachers’ Guild of NSW, he champions equity and future-focused learning.
Deputy Principal – NSW Virtual STEM Academy
Ian Preston
With over 10 years of experience as a principal, Duncan Lovelock is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities in regional and rural New South Wales. Currently, he leads Murrumbidgee Regional High School – Griffith, which is renowned for excellence in STEM education through the Murrumbidgee Academy of STEM Excellence and the NSW Virtual STEM Academy. Duncan focuses on building positive relationships and leading with collaboration, equity and inclusion to help all students reach their full potential. His leadership emphasises evidence-based teaching, professional learning communities, STEM innovation, community partnerships and strategic governance to ensure continuous improvement, sustainable growth and educational excellence.
Principal – Murrumbidgee Regional High School
Duncan Lovelock
