Positive Teacher ‘recultured school’

A lifelong desire to stop others suffering at the hands of bullies as she did as a student has culminated in Bunbury Primary School associate principal Franca Dillon being named the WA Positive Teacher of the Year.

Mrs Dillon received the honour at a two-day conference in Perth last week for her work with Bunbury Primary’s Positive Behaviour Support program, which she said had “recultured the school”.

“I probably got a bit emotional when receiving the award, ” she said.

“I’ve been teaching for 36 years and have always had a passion for wanting to meet the needs of kids.

“I try to go beyond to look for things to do for kids to enable them to be the best they can.”

The school’s positive approach has led to involvement in a national Safe Schools website and this mindset is at the forefront of the school’s decision making.

Among the changes implemented are a number of positive reinforcement programs and new school resources, such as books Mrs Dillon brought back from the Perth conference designed to promote positive thinking.

The changes are having an effect on the whole school community, with Mrs Dillon nominated for the award by Bunbury Primary’s psychologist Anna Owens.

“She’s a really energetic and passionate person and she’s inspiring to work with, ” Ms Owens said.

“She has strong relationships with students, staff and the community and I thought this should be recognised.”

Mrs Dillon grew up with Italian parents and said her school experiences formed a passion for helping others.

“English was a second language to me when I started school and I had to be resilient.

“I was bullied because of my Italian background and I want to instil in others what they need to overcome bullying.

“I’ve done a lot to overcome adversity and it built a passion to help others be their best.

“People around me inspire me to want to be my best and I work best with a team, so this award should be for the whole school.”