SW in line for education honours

The finalists for this year’s WA Education Awards have been announced, with multiple South West schools and teaching staff named across the 11 categories.

Treendale Primary School teacher Veronica Akse was named one of the four finalists for the WA Premier’s Primary Teacher of the Year award, Lois Little from Newton Moore Senior High School is in the running for the WA Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer of the Year award, while both the Newton Moore Education Support Centre and Bunbury Senior High School have been named as contenders for WA Secondary School of the Year.

Bunbury Senior High School principal Craige Pettit said his school’s nomination was the result of a huge team effort by every one of its staff.

“My hope is that everyone in our team takes satisfaction for being acknowledged in this way,” he said.

“It (to win) would be a really exciting opportunity for us to leverage the success and build further on our great culture.”

Newton Moore Education Support Centre principal Penelope Nunn was particularly proud the centre was named as a finalist alongside mainstream schools, not for the first time, and echoed Mr Pettit in attributing the success to her staff.

“This is recognition of a highly passionate, confident and capable staff who are relentless in their commitment to our school’s purpose and vision for students with disabilities,” she said.

Winners of the awards will share in $337,500 of prize money, a portion of which is to be spent on professional development.

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said she was proud to celebrate the teachers, principals and support staff who continued to inspire students.

“The awards are a fantastic way to thank our educators for the knowledge, dedication and the endless opportunities they create for young people in our State,” she said.

The winners of the WA Education Awards will be announced on October 28.