A primary school teacher passionate about increasing students’ innovation skills and a principal whose award-winning initiatives have empowered disadvantaged communities are among the finalists acknowledged in this year’s Victorian Education Excellence Awards.
Minister for Education, Ben Carroll today congratulated the 38 finalists across 13 award categories which recognise inspirational teachers, principals, business managers and education support staff in Victorian government schools.
“Victorian Education Excellence Awards finalists exemplify Victoria’s outstanding teaching workforce which delivers world-class education to help students thrive at great local schools,” said Minister Carroll.
“Our teachers, principals and education professionals play a crucial role in the lives of young people and it is a pleasure to acknowledge those whose dedication to their profession is transforming many lives for the better.”
This year’s finalists include:
- Wendy Coustley, a Rosebud Secondary College teacher whose research of literacy challenges faced by students has led to improved academic outcomes.
- Waratah Special Development School, which is achieving its vision of ‘independence for every student, every day, everywhere’ by teaching students effective communication and social skills to help them participate in community life.
- Western Heights College (pictured), which has created a school environment that empowers Koorie students to feel valued, respected and culturally strong.
Judging panels assigned to individual categories will determine the winners of each award who will be announced at a ceremony at the Plaza Ballroom on Friday, 25 October, to coincide with World Teachers’ Day.
Victorian Education Excellence Award winners will receive grants of up to $25,000 to undertake professional development and learning, to ensure our teachers are well supported to lead great careers in the Education State.
One category winner will also receive the esteemed Lindsay Thompson Award for Excellence in Education, which offers a further professional learning grant of $20,000.
2024 VEEA Award Categories and finalists:
Outstanding Primary Principal:
- Jacquie Burrows, Churchill Primary School
- Daniel Riley, Dandenong Primary School
- Paul Kenna, Belle Vue Park Primary School
Colin Simpson Outstanding Secondary Principal:
- Lisa Holt, Rosebud Secondary College
- Dr Brett Moore, Ashwood High School
- Patrick Mulcahy, Carwatha College P-12
Outstanding Primary Teacher:
- Danielle Henderson, Seville Primary School
- Felicity Kingsford, Brunswick South West Primary School
- Sally Colverson, Seville Primary School
Outstanding Secondary Teacher:
- Lianna Joy Beeching, Preston High School
- Wendy Coustley, Rosebud Secondary College
- Chloe Cook, Suzanne Cory High School
Outstanding Early Career Primary Teacher:
- Monique Camilleri, Werribee Primary School
- Ebony Peters, Bourchier Street Primary School
- Amelia Green, Cranbourne Primary School
Outstanding Early Career Secondary Teacher:
- Alison Fiddes, Hampton Park Secondary College
- Michelle Magalona, Suzanne Cory High School
- Anthony Merlino, Richmond High School
Outstanding Business Manager:
- Shirley Brown, Thornbury Primary School
- Juan Hompart, Ringwood Secondary College
- Lee Nolan, Seville Primary School
Outstanding School Improvement:
- Mitchell and Murrindindi Wellbeing Community of Practice
- Mackellar Primary School
- Mount Waverley Primary School
Outstanding Education Support Team:
- McKinnon Secondary College
- Hampton Park Secondary College
- Cranbourne West Secondary College
Outstanding Inclusive Education:
- Waratah Special Developmental School
- Barton Primary School
- Docklands Primary School
Outstanding Koorie Education:
- Western Heights College
- Bandiana Primary School
- Cardinia Network – Marrung Steering Committee
Outstanding Provision for High-Ability Students:
- Knox Park Primary School
- Preston High School
Dr Lawrie Shears Outstanding Global Teaching and Learning:
- Glen Eira College
- Heathmont College
- Bandiana Primary School.
