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Media Statement
Attention: Editor/Chief of Staff
15 October 2010
Diverse field of State finalists vie for WA’s top public education awards
A school 2000km offshore from the WA coast, a beginner teacher from a remote iron ore town
and an Indian-born teacher who wants disengaged students to love science are among a
diverse field of State finalists vying for WA’s top public education awards.
The State finalists in the 2010 WA Education Awards were announced today.
The list includes 22 school teachers, principals and education support staff and 16 schools in
eight awards including Premier’s Teacher of the Year and WA Innovative School of the Year.
Department of Education Director General Sharyn O’Neill said the awards offered prestigious
recognition for the work of public schools and their staff across the State.
“Working in a school is a rewarding profession and the awards proudly acknowledge the
achievements of our hard working school teachers, principals and support staff,” she said.
The four State finalists for the highly coveted Premier’s Teacher of the Year are:
David Henderson, Rossmoyne Senior High School
Louise Secker, Shenton College
Susan Sheridan, Tambellup Primary School
Ravila Rajor, Roleystone District High School
Ms Rajor, originally from India, was inspired to change the image of classroom science after
being told by a parent it was ‘not a subject important’ for her child. She has since enabled
even the most disengaged students to enjoy their school work through science.
Ms O’Neill said this year’s State finalists highlighted the diverse nature of education in WA.
Christmas Island District High School, 2,000km off shore, is among four schools vying for the
WA Science School of the Year Award; while a Tom Price Primary School teacher, in the
Pilbara’s remote iron ore belt, is among 10 new teachers short-listed for WA Beginning
Teacher of the Year.
Winners of the WA Education Awards will be revealed at a presentation breakfast at the Perth
Convention Exhibition Centre on December 6.
The WA Education Awards are sponsored by GESB, BHP Billiton Iron Ore, Teachers Health
Fund, Delron Cleaning, Edith Cowan University, Teachers Credit Union, ExxonMobil and
Department of Education. (A list of State finalists is attached.)
Ends
Media contact: Chris Lawson 9264 5921
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State finalists for the WA Education Awards 2010:
Premier’s Teacher of the Year sponsored by GESB
David Henderson, Rossmoyne Senior High School
A science (human biology and lower-secondary science) and careers and enterprise teacher at
Rossmoyne Senior High School. David demonstrates a level of knowledge, professionalism and
leadership that match the description of a truly great teacher. He is intensely student focussed,
provides engaging, relevant and unique learning experiences for his students and makes a
significant contribution to the development of science and career and enterprise education at
the school. He has established alliances with Rotary, Curtin University and various science
related associations which gives students access to learning opportunities through the National
Youth Science Forum, Siemens Science Experience, BioGENEius and scientists from Curtin
University.
Susan Sheridan, Tambellup Primary School
An early childhood teacher at Tambellup Primary School for 25 years. Susan is a strong
advocate and developer of oral language and literacy programs in WA. She has been a driving
force for many innovative educational strategies in the early learning years which have been the
building of strong literacy foundations for children at the school. This has enabled Tambellup
Primary School to achieve literacy outcomes well above expectations at a national level. The
programs have also greatly increased parent participation in school activities.
Ravila (Ruby) Rajor, Roleystone District High School
A
science teacher at Roleystone District High School. Originally from India, Ruby was inspired
to change the image of classroom science after being told by a parent it was ‘not a subject
important’ for her child. As a teacher, she has formed links with technology, mining and medical
industries to prove science is a break through field and to encourage students to explore
science related careers. Her special gift lies in making unmotivated students eager to learn
more about science. Ms Rajor has enabled even the most disengaged students to find
enjoyment and knowledge in their school work through science.
Louise Secker, Shenton College
A level 3 classroom teacher in ancient and modern history and humanities at Shenton College.
Louise has inspired students both in the classroom and in extra curricular activities. She has
encouraged students to achieve in high levels of academic competition and areas such as
debating at a national level. She works with programs for gifted and talented students and
assimilates students with disabilities into her classrooms. She counts her work with a wheel
chair bound, vision impaired and mute cerebral palsy student as the highlight of her career. Her
dedication in implementing challenging and engaging learning opportunities for a range of
students has resulted in accolades for students at a school, state and national level.
WA Principal of the Year sponsored by BHP Billiton Iron Ore
Christine Arnold, Narembeen District High School
Christine’s dedication as principal is nothing short of inspirational. She is considered a role
model, whose leadership and encouragement fosters a “give it a go” attitude amongst her staff
and students. Christine also spends time as a science teacher, netball and swimming coach.
She was awarded the National Excellence in Teaching Award in 2002 and was last year named
the Narembeen Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award. In 2010, Narembeen District High
School was awarded the Midlands District Award for Excellence in Operations. Recently, she
successfully led the application for the school to become an Independent Public School.
Lee Musumeci, Challis Early Childhood Education Centre
Lee is an outstanding principal who has developed a reputation throughout the State as an
innovative and visionary leader in early childhood education. She has made a significant impact
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on the community, implementing programs that have gained respect both in state and national
circles. She is at the forefront of education in Western Australia and has developed partnerships
with community organisations, government agencies and policy makers. Her influence in early
childhood education is transforming future policies.
Elisabeth Turner, Waggrakine Primary School
Known as a ‘hands on” leader, Elisabeth has in her two years as principal bought passion,
commitment and a vision for excellence to the school. Considered the driving force of the
school’s success, she has the skills to inspire her staff to continue their own professional growth
and lead them to maximise student outcomes. Her leadership and innovation led her to being
invited by the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership this year to be a master
class lecturer. She was one of three principals in Australia to be invited.
Julian Vinciullo, West Balcatta Primary School
Considered an exemplary and enthusiastic educator, Julian’s dedication has enabled the school
to stand out as a leading literacy and numeracy school. NAPLAN results in 2009 saw the school
recognised as one of the top 10 performers in the State. As a result, the school was one of two
in WA to be selected to be part of a national research program. Julian is passionate about
educational excellence and remains at the forefront of educational trends. His approachable,
collaborative style has garnered him a reputation as an effective and visible leader.
WA Beginning Teacher of the Year sponsored by Teachers Health Fund
Kate Abbott, Tom Price Primary School
Kate started her teaching career at Tom Price Primary School at the beginning of the 2010
school year. She recently graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Early Childhood,
finishing in the top three per cent of all students graduating in 2009. Although she was offered
jobs in non-Government and international education sectors, she accepted a job with the
Department of Education and moved to Tom Price at the beginning of the year. She contributes
to the school community and involves herself with extra curricula and weekend events. Her
principal reports that she is held in extremely high regard by staff, students and parents, with a
large number of parents requesting her as their child’s teacher for 2011.
Mary-Louise Bertram, Carson Street School
According to parents and staff at Carson Street School, Mary-Louise is dedicated and
committed to her role, well beyond the call of duty. She undertakes courses to aid her
professional development and researches new information to improve the quality of learning for
students in her own time. She seeks new information that helps her to develop various
programs which cater to the differing needs and personalities of her students. As a result, each
child has displayed significant improvement in their fine motor skills, literacy and
communication, which has dramatically improved the quality of their lives. Even whilst
undergoing cancer treatment, Mary-Louise remained motivated and focused on the student’s
education and learning.
Ebony Caramia, Christmas Island District High School
Ebony Caramia is in her second year of teaching at Christmas Island District High School,
where she teaches a Year 3 class with students from Chinese, Malay, Indian, Aboriginal and
Australian backgrounds. Half of her students are from a non-English speaking background and
speak English as a second language. Before becoming a primary teacher, Ebony was a dance
teacher and she has passed on her love of dancing to the students in her class. She provides a
safe, inclusive, supportive learning environment which focuses on social skills. This has resulted
in a much more cohesive group of students with improved self esteem, regardless of their level
of achievement. She readily adapts to new ideas and changing directions in education and has
steadily developed her professional knowledge and understanding.
Luke Chapman, Hampton Senior High School
Luke has been teaching for less than three years and is already head of science at Hampton
Senior High School. Luke oversees six science labs and a specialist lecture theatre, while
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teaching his own Year 12 Human Biology and Chemistry classes and a Year 10 science class.
His students and colleagues admire his patience and dedication. Luke is an innovative, creative
and engaging educator and helps his peers to engage their students through the use of
technology.
Hayley Hoskin, Mindarie Senior College
A
natural educator Hayley’s enthusiasm for English is infectious. A keen learner Hayley is
always up-skilling her knowledge to benefit her students, which included extending to a double
degree in Arts at Edith Cowan University and making the Dean’s Honour Roll. Hayley meets the
needs of individual students and makes English come alive through excursions to newspapers
and libraries. Her peers credit her with being a positive young female role model who makes her
students feel genuinely supported and cared for.
Kellie Hunter, Waggrakine Primary School
A
mature aged graduate, Kellie is committed to appealing to disengaged students. Kellie has a
number of innovative teaching techniques, which includes using interactive whiteboards, online
learning and ‘funny money’ activities. Kellie is passionate about sharing knowledge and inspired
her colleagues to work together to improve outcomes for students. This knowledge sharing has
been extended to include international teachers through her involvement in the Microsoft
Innovative Schools project. Kellie created an online blog and updates it regularly with her
innovative teaching practices.
Jamie Lamb, Kirup Pirmary School
Jamie Lamb is a highly competent teacher who considers the needs of all students –
academically, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. He works hard to improve his own
teaching skills through professional development and even went as far as Japan in 2008 to
further his studies in Japanese. He is able to get to the heart of troubled students and help them
onto a path towards improvement.
Rebekka Sinclair, Carnarvon School of the Air
Rebekka has strong relationships with her students, building on their knowledge and providing
feedback which helps them achieve key outcomes in Early Childhood Education. She has
developed a group education plan that caters for students with specific learning needs and
develops an intensive program to address these needs.
Tammy Turner, Pemberton District High School
Tammy creates an environment in which students love to be involved, by becoming familiar with
each student’s personality and providing them with challenging learning opportunities. For her
‘Dinosaur’ program, Tammy held a mini archaeological dig in a tent and provided tools for her
students to work with accompanied by photos to explain what they might find. Student
attendance increased by 20 per cent from last year.
Sarah Warren, Clifton Hills Primary School
Sarah presents her lessons in a variety of ways to cater for the individual learning styles of her
students. She has recently introduced an enrichment program for the academically gifted
students in her class. Sarah runs an Eco Club for students in Years 1 to 3, teaching them
respect and understanding for environmental issues and providing hands on environmental
experience.
WA School Support Staff Member of the Year sponsored by Delron Cleaning
Mary Anderson , Durham Road School
Mary has worked at Durham Road School as an education assistant for 30 years. The school is
an education support school that caters for students from four to 18 who have intellectual and
physical disability and sensory impairment. Her input has a positive impact on the school.
Karen Fooks, Ashdale Secondary College
Karen is a passionate education assistant who develops a supportive and unique rapport and
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bond with students, parents and staff beyond the normal expectations. Her colleagues describe
Karen as an inspiration with endless spirit and goodwill.
Maha Tawil, Cyril Jackson Senior Campus
Maha Tawil is employed as an ethnic education assistant and helps students and parents with
interpreting, translation and cross-cultural communication. She is active in campus life and
participates in events such as Harmony Day and the Cyril Jackson Health Festival.
Joy Unno, Mindarie Senior College
Joy has been praised for her outstanding knowledge and skill in all aspects of her role as a
science laboratory technician at Mindarie Senior College. As a foundation staff member she
has almost single-handedly taken the science classrooms and preparation area from bare
empty rooms to fully functional science education labs.
WA Literacy School of the Year sponsored by sponsored by Edith Cowan University
East Narrogin Primary School
South Newman Primary School
Tom Price Primary School
Waggrakine Primary School
WA Numeracy School of the Year sponsored by Teachers Credit Union
Beeliar Primary School
Busselton Senior High School
Huntingdale Primary School
Yule Brook College
WA Science School of the Year sponsored by ExxonMobil
Applecross Primary School
Burrendah Primary School
Christmas Island District High School
Newton Moore Senior High School
WA Innovative School of the Year sponsored by Department of Education
Belmont City College
Neerigen Brook Primary School
Peron Alliance Curriculum and Teaching (PACT)
Yule Brook College
NEWS 
