Warnbro head named Principal of the Year

17/3/05
Warnbro Community High School head Terry Sanbrook has been named Western Australia's Principal of the Year.
Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich presented the prestigious Rotary Club of Heirisson award to Mr Sanbrook, at a breakfast ceremony in Perth this morning.
Ms Ravlich said that as the founder principal, Mr Sanbrook had built a strong tradition of successful innovation at the school, which was this year celebrating its 10 year anniversary.
"Terry's innovative approach has included the successful introduction of learning teams in middle school," she said.
"Teams of about 100 students, typically in their early teens, are taught by a core group of usually four or five teachers providing a smaller, more supportive school environment.
"Warnbro was also one of the first schools in WA to successfully test the new curriculum framework and it now provides guidance to other schools and teachers.
"Other significant achievements were in vocational education and training courses which resulted in a 98.5 per cent graduation rate last year."
With 400 students enrolled in VET courses, Warnbro is one of the largest VET schools in the State.
"Parents say the school stretches beyond Year 12, with the progress of graduates followed keenly and assistance provided where needed," Ms Ravlich said.
Terry began his teaching career in 1978 and served in Wanneroo, Eastern Goldfields and Safety Bay before his appointment as Warnbro's Principal in 1995.
The Principal of the Year award, established by the Rotary Club of Heirisson 11 years ago, recognises the professionalism and leadership of WA's public school principals.
Acting Club President Alastair Bryant said the award was a way communities could publicly acknowledge the exemplary leadership in their schools.
He said that for example, a Warnbro parent wrote: "Parents can be contacted out of the blue by teachers, simply to ask if they have any concerns. This is a wonderful positive innovation."
Other finalists were:

• James Bell, Ocean Road Primary School;
• Dorothy Blake, Applecross Senior High School;
• Marian Gard, Sawyers Valley Primary School;
• Digby Mercer, Tom Price Senior High School (now at John Forrest Senior High School); and
• Simon Reid, East Maddington Primary School.

The winner receives a trophy and the other five finalists receive a certificate of recognition.
Minister's office: 9213 6800