Dr Morris recognised for work with at-risk students

For more than 20 years, Dr Antoinette Morris has coordinated an alternative education program that caters to students for whom mainstream schooling is not a good fit.

The program, Fremantle Fast Track, supports the student’s academic, emotional and social needs, striving to empower them by facilitating personalised pathway to future education, training, or employment.

Her amazing efforts have earned her a place among the finalists in the 2024 Women of Achievement Award.

Dr Morris was nominated by her colleagues at Fremantle Fast Track.

In their nomination, they praise her ethical, value-driven decision-making and leadership style, that they describe as collegial and collaborative.

They said she embodies integrity, while fostering a cohesive program culture centred on student improvement and nurturing staff relationships built on trust and respect.

“She is driven by a moral purpose to care for and promote the development of every student.” they wrote.

“She believes that everyone deserves the right to a good education.

“She makes the student the central consideration in the program and to maximise outcomes for students as the key imperative.”

Dr Morris maintains that every young person that comes into the program is a success story. She says that every student’s measure of success was different and related to their personal situation.

“So equally, success for those young people who suddenly walk taller and prouder and, who have left comfort of their hoodie and have now learned more about themselves and have a real sense of self and most importantly, a sense of future.” she said.

"I believe passionately in the right of every individual to find a place to belong and to feel safe and to be able to develop tools and skills that will enable them to lead meaningful lives.

“It is the most rewarding job I've done. I've done it for so long now that it never ceases to be great.”

We spoke to Dr Morris in more detail about her nomination. Check out the video on our Facebook.

The Women of Achievement Award is an annual award from the Department’s Director General, that recognises significant contribution to public education in WA.

You can learn more about this year’s other finalists nominated for the Women of Achievement Award.

The winner will be announced at the Department’s International Women’s Day breakfast, on Monday 18 March 2024.

For more information about Fremantle Fast Track, visit the North Lake Senior Campus website.