Principal of Camberwell High School Jill Laughlin took the award for Outstanding Secondary Principal. This follows her efforts in establishing the facility as a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) school leader, joining only two other P-TECH schools in the state. The Outstanding Primary Principal Award went to Esme Capp of Princes Hill Primary in Carlton North.
Announced online recently by Education Minister James Merlino, the awards are held to acknowledge inspirational principals, teachers and staff providing educational support who assist children and help improve schools. This year, there were three specialist, six team and five individual awards presented from a field of 41 finalists.
Top achievers such as this are often featured in brochure printing campaigns that target future students looking to secure enrolments in schools of excellence.
Merlino said the government's aim is to give every student in Victoria access to a top education, and he added:
"This year’s winners have shown excellence and dedication in improving the educational outcomes for Victorian students and are well deserving of this recognition.”
A $25,000 grant towards professional development has been awarded to all category winners to help support the work they are doing in the schools.
The 2020 top prize winner was Andrew McConchie of Mordialloc College. He took out both the Lindsay Thompson Award for Excellence in Education and the Outstanding Secondary Teacher Award.