WA public schools and staff in line for top awards

Monday, 5 September 2016

• 42 finalists named in the WA Education Awards 2016
• State's best public schools, principals, teachers and support staff recognised 

The State's most outstanding public schools and staff have been revealed, with 42 finalists in the prestigious WA Education Awards.

Education Minister Peter Collier said the awards were a fantastic way for the community to celebrate top public educators and the difference they made to the lives of students.

"Each year, we honour the outstanding contribution of the best public schools, principals, teachers and support staff, and each year their stories are inspirational," Mr Collier said.

The finalists include a teacher who uses AFL to teach his students science and an education assistant who learnt Braille to work with a new student who is vision impaired.

Austin Ward of Cecil Andrews Senior High School, in Seville Grove, is a finalist in the WA Premier's Secondary Teacher of the Year and was nominated for his innovative AFL-inspired teaching.

"This outstanding teacher has taken students' passion for football and combined it with high-level science projects that are fun and creative - increasing their attendance and engagement at school," the Minister said.

Susan Deane of Belridge Secondary College, in Beldon, is in the running for WA Education Assistant of the Year.

"By converting worksheets, hand-outs, tables and diagrams into Braille, Ms Deane is ensuring a student is working at the same pace as the rest of the students in class," Mr Collier said.

"She also runs alongside him as a guide in school athletics carnivals."

Award winners will be announced on Monday, November 28.

Fact File

• The awards are sponsored by BHP Billiton Iron Ore, Teachers Mutual Bank, Edith Cowan University, hit92.9, The West Australian, Crown Perth, Kleenheat and Fotoworks School Portraits
• To view the full list of finalists, visit http://www.education.wa.edu.au 

Minister's office - 6552 6300