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Excellence by a Principal


Garry Costello

Mt Gambier High School, South Australia

Through Garry Costello’s educational leadership, Mt Gambier High School has been transformed from a school known for underachievement to a school recognised for its innovation and all round excellence – students now strive for success and accomplishment. Garry has instilled an environment where the learning and care of students is at the centre of all decisions, where the focus is on respect for students and the development of a curriculum that encourages risk taking, critical reflection and positive relationships. Garry challenges teachers to extend their professional capacities and make classroom environments more engaging and enjoyable. Dynamic programs and the rapid expansion of learning technologies across the curriculum have brought about dramatic and sustained improvements in student engagement, retention and achievement.

Deborah Arthurs

Cardiff South Public School, New South Wales

Deborah Arthurs, a preschool teacher at Cardiff South Public School, has been notably successful in helping children with a wide range of abilities to settle into school life. Deborah engages and develops preschoolers through imaginative programs designed around individual interests and needs and the close involvement of parents. Her approach is based on an appropriate balance between open-ended activities and explicit teaching, and between structure and creativity. Deborah has played an active role in the profession.

Greg Gebhart

Lowanna College, Victoria

Greg Gebhart of Lowanna College is an educational leader who has been at the forefront of multimedia programs and e-learning in Victoria. Greg’s innovative multimedia classes and exemplary teaching practices produce excellent learning and vocational outcomes for students, and he has established strong and mutually beneficial relationships with parents and the business community. Greg willingly shares his expertise and has instigated a wide range of professional development-programs.

Michael Goodwin

Mackay North State High School, Queensland

Michael Goodwin, a senior teacher at Mackay North State High School, has made an outstanding contribution to teaching and learning in the discipline of history. Through his inspirational ‘Lest We Forget’ project, imaginative classroom teaching and resource materials that are now in use around Australia, Michael has shown how to bring history alive and capture the interest of students. His innovative approach has had a significant positive impact, both on educational outcomes and on the numbers of students choosing to study history at his school.

Paul Hedgcock

Proserpine State High School, Queensland

Paul Hedgcock is a dedicated teacher who has pursued a vision throughout his career of providing opportunity through education for his students. Amongst his many achievements, Paul established a ground-breaking nationally recognised marine training program, which now attracts almost 200 students each year and offers a path to local maritime employment or a springboard to more advanced maritime studies.

Robin McKean

St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, Western Australia

Robin McKean is an outstanding teacher librarian, whose abilities have made a significant contribution, both directly and indirectly, to student achievement at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls. Robin’s expertise in multi-literacies and technology led to her creation of ‘Maximeyes’, a CD Rom which provides resources and strategies to allow students of different ages, abilities and interest to engage with reading and make progress. As importantly, he approach to co-teaching has inspired and empowered the teachers she works with, and enriched the school’s culture of collaboration, learning and professionalism.

Brendan Magee

Lyneham High School, Australian Capital Territory

At Lyneham High School, Brendan Magee led a team of teachers in creating an innovative program that achieved a dramatic turn around for a group of ‘at risk’ boys who were not engaging in their learning, and were developing a culture of resistance to school ideals and destructive relationships within peer groupings. The RADICAL (Resilience and Adolescent Development in Culture and Leadership) program used a special course of studies in SOSE, physical education and mathematics to build student leadership, self-respect, self-discipline, teamwork, interest in learning and learning skills.

Morris Needleman

Kincoppal-Rose Bay School, New South Wales

Morris Needleman, the Mathematics Technology Coordinator at Kincoppal-Rose Bay School, has revolutionised the way mathematics is taught at the school – integrating technology to make it relevant, interesting and exciting for students. Morris is an exemplary educational leader who is committed to sharing expertise. He professionally mentors teachers within his own, and many other schools, and his vision led to the establishment of a professional development unit to foster professional excellence for teachers of mathematics.

Jason Zagami

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School, Queensland

Jason Zagami, ICT Coordinator at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School, is a leader in on-line education, who is committed to providing for each student’s unique learning requirements. Jason has developed a web-based online learning environment to deliver individualised mixes of learning resources, content and strategies, and has established individualised learning spaces. His approach helps students to understand their own learning processes and take greater ownership of their learning. Jason has actively supported the professional development of colleagues within his own school and throughout Queensland.

Joy Bedford

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, South Australia

Principal of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Joy Bedford, encourages staff to make students the central focus of teaching and learning practices. Joy challenges teachers to increase learning opportunities for students through a revitalised and relevant curriculum. She embraced the challenges of transforming the physical environment, enhancing the ethos and reputation of the school, restoring the community respect and increasing the enrolment, and retention rate and achieving successful Year 12 results. Over ten years as Principal Joy has created a climate of interpersonal relationships, program planning, problem solving and great innovation throughout the school. Her leadership concentrates on staff development, teamwork, strategic planning, professional development and change management.

Clayton Jones

Girton Grammar School, Victoria

When Clayton Jones began at Girton Grammar 13 years ago as the founding principal he announced a powerful and compelling vision for the school. He spelt out seven pillars upon which that vision would be built. Those pillars remain the guiding principles of the school which has achieved a 300 per cent increase, in enrolments and last year received the honour of the top ranked regional school in the state in terms of moving students into university. Clayton’s strong values and courageous leadership have been instrumental in establishing a culture of learning and excellence for the whole school. Through his hands-on approach to student progress and development and his promotion of ambition and excellence in his staff, Clayton has inspired staff and students and gained the confidence and respect of the wider school community.

Richard Lornie

Central Coast Grammar School, New South Wales

Principal for 19 years, Richard Lornie has been the driving force behind the success of Central Coast Grammar School which is recognised as one of the finest coeducational non government schools in NSW. As a result of Richard’s inspirational leadership, the school has established lengthy waiting lists, excellent facilities, beautifully maintained gardens, a hand-picked and united staff and an astonishing record of success for students in academic achievement and across the board. Richard has always been clear about the direction he leads the school, but he recognises the importance of, and facilitates, regular community consultation and involvement. Together, Richard and the community strive for excellence in academic work, cultural activities, sport, recreation and outdoor pursuits, in a happy, caring and supportive environment.