This was repeated 6 times preceded by a drum roll during the WA Education Awards held on Monday 11th November as the Education Department recognised and celebrated some exceptional culmination of school endeavour.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to the awards by Neerigen Brook Primary School (finalist in Cultural Responsiveness) in my position as Chairperson of the Board. It was an inspiring celebration of educational talent and educational excellence as the title suggests.
The Welcome to Country set the scene of excellence. Accompanying Adrian Tanner was the Gwyne Park Primary School Moorditj Norps and Moorditj Yok who entertained the 600 plus educator audience with traditional aboriginal dancing. It is another step closer to bridging the gap when students embrace their culture and we as a collective move closer to their culture.
The Hon. Dr Tony Buti MLA, Minister for Education opened the awards with a collection of initiatives that have been implemented or are planned. He spoke with genuine passion for the education sector and acknowledged the hard-working, dedicated educators in the room.
There were 24 finalists and 6 categories judged by 39 educators.
“And the Winners were….”
Excellence in wellbeing and learning – Lockridge Primary School
Excellence in cultural responsiveness – Bannister Creek Primary School
Excellence in teaching and learning (primary) – Gwynne Park Primary School
Excellence in disability and inclusion – Beachlands Primary School
Excellence in teaching and learning (secondary) – Applecross Senior High School
Excellence in school leadership – Morawa District High School
Master of Ceremonies, Tina Altieri was excellent at moving through the order of proceedings with utmost professionalism.
Special Guest, Joe Brumm, author and creator of “Bluey” was interviewed by Tania McGhee from Lockridge Primary School. One of the insights that stuck with me was the Episode “Copycat” with Joe’s message “They are always looking”. As educators it strikes home how important it is to show up as the best version of ourselves more often as “they are always looking.”
The awards were closed by the new Director General, Jay Peckitt. In fact, his first official duty, as it was his first day at the top of an inspiring, excellent Public Education system.
Congratulations to all finalists and winners.
Thank you to Lesley Barrett and the Neerigen Brook Team who are pioneers in their endeavours to be the best for every child.
If nothing else, it is worth the effort to be a finalist in 2025, to then sit amongst greatness.
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