Two Gov't school principals receive Rotary awards

13/11/97

Two Government school principals have been recognised for their contribution to the education of Western Australian school children in the prestigious State-wide Rotary Outstanding School Principal of the Year Award for 1997.

Suzanne Saunders, principal of Harvey Agricultural Senior High School, and Lesmurdie Senior High School principal Raymond Maher were named joint winners of the award at a presentation in Perth this morning.

The two winners were presented with trophies and six finalists received certificates of recognition from Education Minister Colin Barnett at a breakfast ceremony at the Duxton Hotel.

The four other finalists were: Karratha Senior High School principal Peter Holcz; Castletown Primary School (Esperance) principal Pauline Grewer; Beaumaris Primary School principal Ross Albones; and Craigie Senior High School principal Pauline Coghlan.

The annual award, which attracted 30 nominations from around the State, is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Heirisson in recognition of the valuable contribution school principals make to the education of children in WA's Government schools.

The panel of judges included representatives from Rotary, the Education Department of WA, a senior school principal and the peak parent group, the WA Council of State School Organisations (WACSSO).

Mr Barnett said a major objective of the award was to raise community awareness of the professionalism, leadership and commitment demonstrated by principals in schools.

"From the high standard of nominations, it is clear there are many principals who are outstanding leaders and motivators in our schools," he said.

"These are the skills which principals are increasingly being called on to demonstrate as a result of the rapidly changing and demanding education environment. Principals are required to motivate and guide the school community in the development of a school ethos which fosters the social and educational growth of students.

"They are responsible for providing exceptional leadership to staff, as well as harnessing community support for school programs."

Mr Barnett said the two winners had been particularly recognised for their tireless and innovative efforts within their school community and the wider public, to improve opportunities for their students.

The Minister also said the vital role played by principals, administrators and teachers in general in WA schools would be further recognised by the new centre for Excellence, to be opened in Fremantle next year. The centre would support 25,000 Government and non-Government teachers in professional development and would receive $1.5 million in State Government funding over the next four years.

Mr Barnett thanked the Rotary Club of Heirisson which arranged the Outstanding School Principal of the Year Award with the support of the Education Department and WACSSO.

Club President Robert Holloway said Rotary believed it was important to recognise and encourage the outstanding achievements of Government school principals and teachers. He said the calibre of principals in WA schools was apparent from the high standards of nominations and needed to be recognised by the wider community.

Media contact: Justine Whittome, Minister's Office (08) 9222 9699

Penny Valentine, Education Department of WA (08) 9222 5348