Looking back to winning big

In 2023, five schools were named winners at the Western Australian Education Awards for their dedication and commitment to shaping the lives and education of students.

The award categories were:  

• Excellence in school leadership 
• Excellence in teaching and learning (primary) 
• Excellence in teaching and learning (secondary) 
• Excellence in cultural responsiveness 
• Excellence in disability and inclusion. 

A year on from their wins, staff at the schools are reflecting on their achievements and what has changed in their school.  

Two Rocks Primary School won the Excellence in school leadership award. 

Principal Elizabeth Wildish said the school community have an immense sense of pride in their school and felt incredibly honoured and excited about the recognition. The award was confirmation of the staff’s dedication and work. 

Ms Wildish said the school used the prize money to improve their outdoor classroom area with new shaded work areas. 

“The school has continued on its journey, developing leadership amongst students and staff and aiming to be the best that they can possibly be. 

“Two Rocks Primary School continues to strive for success at all levels and to ensure that all involved are endeavouring to achieve their absolute potential both individually but also as an educational organisation.” 

Brabham Primary School won the Excellence in teaching and learning (primary) award. 

Foundation principal Anika Blackmore and current principal Julie Woodhouse said it was an incredible achievement for the school which was only in its third year of operation.  

“The school community knew that the learning environment that we had created was special, having this acknowledged by the system for realising our vision of excellence was the icing on the cake,” said Ms Blackmore. 

The school staff are using the prize money to improve their centralised Online Induction Platform to support their staff and in turn their students. 

“Since winning the award of Excellence in Teaching and Learning, we have continued our focus on consistent whole school processes and programs,” said Ms Woodhouse. 

“To continue our work in this space, we are excited to announce the introduction of DJINDA – our inhouse Online Induction Platform. DJINDA is the Noongar word for ‘star’ and through co-design with our Cultural Advisors and Cultural Responsive Team, we feel like it encapsulates exactly what we are trying to create.” 

Manea Senior College won the Excellence in teaching and learning (secondary) award. 

Principal Rod Rykers said that everyone was excited about winning the award for teaching and learning. 

“The entire school community were excited and appreciative that the work our school and staff have put into providing outstanding educational opportunities for our students was acknowledged,” said Mr Rykers. 

Since winning the award, Manea Senior College has continued on its path to expand the range of opportunities for its students and build on the programs already developed. 

“The College used the $20,000 towards our Student Professional Learning Program and Innovation Academy expansion, with the College contributing a further $20,000. 

“It is great to be recognised for the efforts that we all put in each and every day.  

“By nominating alone, irrespective of being a finalist, winner or not, you are recognising and valuing the efforts of your staff in providing quality educational experiences for our students.” 

Joondalup Education Support Centre won the Excellence in disability and inclusion award. 

Principal Natalie Hatton said staff and students were watching the live stream and were really excited when the school was announced a winner.  

“We put the banners outside two classrooms and had a display in the staff room. After school that day all the staff stayed behind to celebrate our achievement together,” said Ms Hatton. 

“We are certainly stronger and more cohesive since the award. It has urged us to continue to improve and continue to strive to be better at what we do every day. 

“We used the prize money to revise two of our assessment tools to ensure we capture every single student we have.  

Ms Hatton said they also used the funds to build on our already strong learning culture and further develop staff teaching. 

Wananami Remote Community School won the Excellence in cultural responsiveness award.  

Nikki Sandilands, former principal of Wananami Remote Community School said the school community was very excited about the award. 

Speaking about the nominations, Ms Sandilands said it’s an amazing process to go through. 

“It's really nice to sit back and reflect on what as a school you accomplish,” said Ms Sandilands. 

"All schools do amazing things and to take the time and reflect and celebrate as a staff what it is that makes your school unique is really important and it's really nice.” 

Nominate while you have the chance 

When looking back on why they nominated for the awards, the 2023 winners have some advice for schools nominating for the categories they won. 

Ms Wildish said it’s important to think about what is being done as a whole school. 

“Excellence in School Leadership should not be just about one person but rather about the school as a collective whole at all levels,” she said. 

“Everyone should be part of the team and work together to achieve targets that are recognised and agreed by all relevant parties. 

“Go into the process with an open mind and be grateful for the opportunities provided. It is a great time to reflect on your school’s journey and to work towards developing your future goals as a school.” 

Ms Blackmore said Brabham Primary School was recognised for its rich learning experiences despite how young the school is. 

“For schools considering applying, reflect on and consider what you are doing in providing outstanding and evidenced based whole school approaches to all curriculum areas, specialist, enrichment and extra-curricular programs,” she said. 

“Also, consider how this translates to exceptional student achievement and value adding, and a continued focus on every child making progress.  

“The nomination was our school community’s way of recognising, acknowledging and showcasing the exceptional work of the whole team, I can’t think of a more valuable way to spend my time as a school leader than this.” 

Mr Rykers said it’s important to get started early and involve all the staff in the nomination process. 

“[When applying] focus on skills development of our young people and do so through programs and initiatives but also ensure that there is a strong skills focus within each and every classroom,” he said. 

“Whilst knowledge is important, having a tool bag of skills to call upon in life is vitally important.” 

Ms Hatton said it’s a real boost for any school to be recognised for the work they do and only good things can come of it. 

“Be proud of the things you do well and be transparent with parents and each other. If you can make something possible, do it, but if you can’t be honest about why not, or why not now,” she said. 

“If you have a strength at your school - make it a strength of every person at the school. That way you are all talking the same language and you can build from that strength.” 

During the celebrations at last year’s awards, the winners took a moment to chat about what the award meant to them. You can listen to the podcast here. 

Nominations close on Friday 16 August 2024, learn more about the awards here.