nomination guide - department of education

Nomination guide

education.wa.edu.au/awards

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About the awards __________________________ 3

Award categories ___________________________ 3

Prize money _________________________________ 4

Key dates ____________________________________ 4

Support for nominators ___________________ 4

Awards information session __________________ 4

Free writing assistance _______________________ 4

Why nominate? _____________________________ 5

Who can nominate? ________________________ 5

Who is eligible for an award? _____________ 6

Individual Awards _____________________________ 6

School Awards _________________________________7

How to nominate ___________________________ 8

Prepare your nomination _____________________ 8

Submit your nomination ______________________ 9

What happens next? ______________________ 10

Award selection criteria __________________ 11

Terms and conditions _____________________26

Contents

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About the awards

Do you want to recognise an outstanding teacher, principal, deputy principal or support staff member in your school?

You can celebrate their achievements by nominating them for a WA Education Award!

The Awards acknowledge individuals and schools that demonstrate leadership, innovation and community spirit – helping students to grow and achieve their best.

Preparing a nomination is an opportunity to reflect on your school’s achievements and praise staff who go above and beyond for students every day.

Nominating for a WA Education Award is a real boost for the whole school community. Previous award nominators report an increase in staff morale, better staff retention and recruitment, and a stronger school community.

This guide provides information on how to nominate.

Who will you recognise? Choose a category to get started:

• WA Premier’s Primary Teacher of the Year

• WA Premier’s Secondary Teacher of the Year

• WA Premier’s Excellence in Aboriginal Education Award

• WA Beginning Teacher of the Year

• WA Education Assistant of the Year

• WA Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer of the Year

• WA School Services Staff Member of the Year

• WA Primary School of the Year

• WA Secondary School of the Year

• WA Primary Principal of the Year

• WA Secondary Principal of the Year

• WA Primary Deputy Principal of the Year

• WA Secondary Deputy Principal of the Year

Awards categories

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Each finalist will receive a cash prize of $2500. Winners of individual awards each receive $25 000 (50% is allocated to personal professional development and 50% as cash).

The WA Premier’s Excellence in Aboriginal Education Award receives $25 000 cash and WA School of the Year winners each receive $15 000 cash.

Awards information session Learn how the nomination process works, what to include and what the judges look for and how to write for them. Attend our free information session or watch the livestream.

Free writing assistanceTo assist nominators, we can put you in touch with a consultant who can review your draft nomination and provide you with feedback to

help make sure your nomination is of the highest possible quality. This is a free service available to all nominators.

Further information about the Awards nomination information session and how to access the free writing assistance program is available on our website at education.wa.edu.au/awards

The website also has tips, sample nominations and additional resources.

Prize money

Key dates

Support for nominators

Nominations open

Nominations close

Judging

Finalists announced

Judges site visits

Finalists’ networking event

Presentation breakfast

Tuesday 4 May 2021

Wednesday 21 July 2021

Monday 9 to Friday 20 August 2021

Tuesday 31 August 2021

Monday 6 to Friday 17 September 2021

Term 4 2021

Term 4 2021

http://education.wa.edu.au/awards

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Who can nominate?

Public school staff, school board and council chairs, and P&C presidents can nominate a staff member or public school for an award.

Nominations for staff awards can be prepared by anyone employed by the Department of Education, as well as school board and council chairs and P&C presidents. School nominations can be prepared by any staff member at the school who is familiar work of the school.

Parents and students are not eligible to submit a nomination.

Self-nomination for staff awards is not accepted.

We encourage you to acknowledge hard work, commitment and passion by submitting a nomination. Nominations close 5.00pm, Wednesday 21 July 2021.

Don’t wait until the last minute to nominate, get started today!

The WA Education Awards are an exciting opportunity to celebrate the contributions of our public schools and staff.

WA Education Award winners are recognised by colleagues and communities as the best in the State in their category.

Previous winners have benefited from obtaining professional learning in areas of their choice, unique career opportunities and accelerated career progression.

Many winners have described their Awards win as ‘life changing’. The winners and nominees have often been inspired themselves by role models in schools, reflecting on their own experiences as students who connected with a particular teacher or principal.

These winners are now inspiring their own students, colleagues and communities – sharing

their motivation and passion while guiding and assisting students to achieve their personal and academic best.

Previous winners and finalists become ambassadors for the Awards, sharing their journey through promotional activities, speaking engagements, events and more.

School winners benefit with opportunities to build relationships with education, community and business leaders.

Help make a difference by nominating an outstanding teacher, principal, deputy principal or support staff member in the 2021 WA Education Awards.

This year, all nominations go in a draw to win a 75” interactive screen to the value of $8000, installed at your school, thanks to our sponsor K2AV.

Why nominate?

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The Awards are open to teachers, deputy principals, principals and support staff working in public schools in Western Australia. All Western Australian public schools are eligible to enter the school awards. All previous nominees and finalists, as well as winners from 2018 and earlier, are eligible to nominate in 2021.

Individuals Teachers

• All early childhood and primary teacherscurrently working in a Western Australianpublic primary school, with at least 0.6 FTEdedicated to classroom teaching at the timeof nomination, are eligible.

• Teachers at middle schools and district highschools can be nominated in either primary orsecondary. This may be based on whether themajority of students they are teaching are inYear 7 upwards or Year 6 and below.

Beginning teachers

• All teachers who have up to three continuousyears teaching experience as at the start ofTerm 1, 2021; and are currently working in aWestern Australian public school with at least0.6 FTE dedicated to classroom teaching, areeligible.

• Note: Anyone who has taught for more thanthree years should be nominated for the WAPremier’s Primary or Secondary Teacher ofthe Year award.

Principals

• All principals who currently hold substantivepositions and are working in a WesternAustralian public primary or secondary school(including early childhood, education supportand special educational needs) are eligible.

• Staff acting in a principal position for acontinuous period greater than 12 months atthe time of nominating, pending its ongoingfilling, are also eligible.

• Principals at schools such as K-12, educationsupport, remote community and district highschools should be nominated in either primaryor secondary category that best suits theirindividual school context or circumstances.This may be based on whether the majorityof students are in Year 7 upwards or Year 6and below.

Deputy principals

• All deputy and associate principals whocurrently hold substantive positions andare working in a Western Australian publicprimary or secondary school (including earlychildhood, education support and specialeducational needs) are eligible.

• Staff acting in a deputy principal positionfor a continuous period greater than 12months at the time of nominating, pending itsongoing filling, are also eligible.

• Deputy principals at schools such as K-12,education support, remote community anddistrict high schools should be nominated ineither primary or secondary category thatbest suits their individual school contextor circumstances. This may be based onwhether the majority of students are in Year 7upwards or Year 6 and below.

Who is eligible for an award?

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Education assistants

• All education assistants, and staff in theeligible job roles for this category, currentlyworking at a Western Australian public schoolat the time of nomination are eligible.

• List of eligible job roles includes EducationAssistant (AUSLAN); Education Assistant(Behaviour Centre); Education Assistant(Braille); Education Assistant (Defence ForceTransitional Aide); Education Assistant(Mainstream); Education Assistant (SpecialNeeds); Ethnic Assistant.

Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers

• All Aboriginal and Islander Education Officerscurrently working at a Western Australianpublic school at the time of nominationare eligible.

School services staff

• All staff in one of the following eligiblejob roles, currently working at a WesternAustralian public school at the time ofnomination are eligible:

• Manager Corporate Services, BusinessSupport Officer, Camp School Manager,Finance and Administration Support Officer- Camp School, Finance Officer, HumanResource Officer, Library Officer, MarketingOfficer/Coordinator, Registrar, School Officer,Cleaner, Cook, Gardener/ Handyperson

• Farm Manager, Farm Supervisor, NetworkAdministrator, Network Support Officer,Senior Technical Officer - AgriculturalInstruction, Technical Officer - AgriculturalInstruction, Technical Support

• Home Economic Assistant, LaboratoryTechnician, Residential Manager, ResidentialSupervisor, School Psychologists, StudentSupport Coordinator, Student SupportOfficer, Student Support Worker - IntensiveEnglish Centre, Vocational Trainer andAssessor, Youth Support Worker (DefenceSecondary Transition Mentor), Follow theDream Coordinator.

SchoolsPublic schools

• All Western Australian public primary andsecondary schools (including early childhood,education support and special educationalneeds) are eligible.

• Schools such as K-12, education support,remote community and district high schoolsshould be nominated in either primary orsecondary category that best suits theirindividual school context or circumstances.This may be based on whether the majorityof students are in Year 7 upwards or Year 6and below.

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Prepare your nomination When preparing a nomination consider these steps:

Choose the award category

Before you start you may need to read through each of the categories. This will help you choose the correct category and ensure you are able to make the nominee or school shine in each of the criteria. You can consider if the awards are the most appropriate way to celebrate the nominee’s achievements.

You also need to understand the specific eligibility and selection criteria which need to be included in your nomination.

Read the terms and conditions

The terms and conditions provide information about your eligibility to nominate, the nominee’s eligibility, approval and endorsement process, prizes and other requirements.

Advise the nominee for individual awards

If the nominee meets the eligibility requirements, advise them of your intention to submit a nomination for an individual award. This step is not required for School awards.

The nominee must be involved in the nomination process and given the opportunity to provide feedback before the nomination is submitted. Finalists are expected to attend the awards presentation and winners are expected to be an ambassador for the awards and public education.

You should also ensure peers, colleagues and the community are informed, aware and fully supportive of the nomination.

Read school profile for school awards

The profile outlines the exemplary practices nominating schools are expected to demonstrate for School awards, based on:

• School improvement and AccountabilityFramework

• National School Improvement Tool for Schoolof the Year awards

• Aboriginal Cultural Standards Frameworkfor the WA Premier’s Excellence in AboriginalEducation Award

These documents are available at: education.wa.edu.au/awards

Complete the nomination template

Your nomination needs to demonstrate the nominee’s achievements and claims against the selection criteria, supported with examples and evidence.

Templates provide information about selection criteria, length of submission and style.

Ensure to use the appropriate template for your chosen category. Download the nomination template at: education.wa.edu.au/awards

The website also contains tips, sample nominations and additional resources to help with writing your nomination.

Source images

Prepare four high-resolution images of the nominee. Photos must:

• be a mix of posed and action shots

• for school awards include staff and students,not focussed on facilities

How to nominate



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• for individual awards include two individualphotos (portrait and landscape)

• for individual awards include two photosof nominee with a group of students(portrait and landscape)

• be at least 3MB each

• be in JPEG format (do not include photosin a Word document).

Examples of the style of photos required are available at: education.wa.edu.au/awards

Provide referees

You will need to provide the details of two referees who are familiar with the nominee’s work. Referees should be external to the school. These referees may be contacted at any time during the judging process.

Gather your nominee’s details, supporting evidence and documentation

For individual and principal nominations you will need to provide nominee details including:

• E Number

• Years of service

• Email address

• Mobile Number

• Place of study

Supporting evidence such as letters of support, school data or NAPLAN results can be used for individual nominations. The total size of your attachments must not exceed 10MB.

For school and principal nominations, the school’s latest annual report and school’s latest business/operational plan will be required.

Obtain appropriate endorsement or sign off

All individual staff nominations must be endorsed by the principal. If the principal is not the nominator, provide a copy of the nomination for them to endorse. School and principal nomination must be endorsed by the Director of Education. See the endorsement instructions at education.wa.edu.au/awards

Submit your nominationGo to the online awards nomination system at: education.wa.edu.au/awards

Nominations for the Awards can only be submitted via the nomination system. You will receive an email with a link to your nomination. This will allow you to save your nomination and come back to it later if you need to. Make sure you submit your nomination by the closing date, 5.00pm on Wednesday 21 July 2021. You will receive an email confirmation that your nomination has been received.

Still need help?If you have any questions about the process or need help, please email: [email protected]




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What happens next?

Selection process

Once nominations are submitted, all staff nominations will be subject to further endorsement by Corporate Executive and Standards and Integrity.

Nominations are assessed by judging panels for each award category.

Judging process

For individual categories, judges assess each nomination based on the information provided and how well that addresses the selection criteria. For school categories, judges assess each nomination based on how the written statement and supporting documents support each section of the profile.

Nominations are assessed by judging panels. The panels include:

• academic experts in relevant areas ofteaching and education research

• members of education and leadershipprofessional associations

• sponsors committed to public education

• past winners who bring their experience

• senior Department of Education staff.

The judging panels will meet between 9 and 20 August 2021 to assess each nomination against the award category nomination criteria and select four finalists.

Nominees will be notified by 31 August if they have been selected as a finalist.

Two members from each judging panel will visit each finalist at their school to speak with the finalist, school staff, students, parents and referees to help determine winners. Site visits will be held between Monday 6 and Friday 17 September 2021.

Finalists referees may be contacted at any time during the judging process.

Awards events

Winners will be announced at a presentation breakfast in Term 4. Ticket sales will open closer to the event.

Finalists and their nominators will be invited to the awards presentation breakfast, as well as a finalists’ networking event.

Finalists travelling from outside the metropolitan area are eligible for assistance with travel and accommodation.

Ambassador role

Winners and finalists of the Awards are recognised as ambassadors for the WA Education sector and are at times called upon to participate in forums and speak at events.

As an Awards winner, you may be invited to participate in many activities following the awards, including but not limited to:

• photo and video shoots promoting yourachievements

• media opportunities (speaking with localmedia outlets)

• presenting at education forums and events

• judging for your award category in futureyears

• involvement in professional developmentdays for future winners.

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Award selection criteria

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WA Premier’s Primary Teacher of the Year

This award recognises primary school teachers who are knowledgeable, caring and creative – and passionate about inspiring youngerstudents to want to learn.

They encourage respect in the classroom, know their students and how they learn, and engage in professional learning.

The award category is for early childhood and primary school teachers working in our schools with a significant proportion of the week dedicated to classroom teaching.

This award is proudly sponsored by BHP.

Selection criteria

Nominations must address all three selection criteria, in no more than two pages.

• professional knowledge and understanding

• professional practice

• professional engagement.

Prize

The WA Premier’s Primary Teacher of the Year receives $25 000 (50% for professional development and 50% cash) and three finalists each receive $2500. See terms and conditions for more information.

“Teaching has provided many opportunities to guide, inspire, encourage and assist someone on their path to achieving their best.”

WA Premier’s Primary Teacher of the Year 2019Jonathan Petch, Wattle Grove Primary School

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WA Premier’s Secondary Teacher of the Year

This award recognises secondary school teachers who are a source of inspiration to their students.

They know their content and how to teach it, and provide a dependable and consistent influence as their students make choices about further education, work and life.

The award category is for secondary school teachers working in our schools with a significant proportion of the week dedicated to classroom teaching.


Selection criteria

Nominations must address all three selection criteria, in no more than two pages:




Prize

The WA Premier’s Secondary Teacher of the Year receives $25 000 (50% for professional development and 50% cash) and three finalists each receive $2500. See terms and conditions for more information.

“I want them to walk away confident in knowing that persistence and rigour will always assist in achieving success.”

WA Premier’s Secondary Teacher of the Year 2019Tam Sheldon, Baldivis Secondary College

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WA Premier’s Excellence in Aboriginal Education Award

This award recognises schools that work actively to improve education outcomes for Aboriginal students. With strong leadership, all staff work together and pursue innovations to create positive school experiences where every student reaches their potential.

This award recognises a Western Australian primary or secondary school that demonstrates embedded and consistent practice in building a whole-school culture focused on improving the outcomes of Aboriginal students.


Written statement

Using the written statement template, describe how the school supports the priorities of Every student, every classroom, every day; Strategic directions for public schools 2020–2024, and how the Aboriginal Cultural Standards

Framework is used to encourage the entire school to be responsible for improving outcomes for Aboriginal students.

Nominations will be judged against the following criteria:

• student achievement

• teaching

• leadership

• learning environment

• relationships.

Prize

The WA Premier’s Excellence in Aboriginal Education Award is $25 000 and three finalists each receive $2500. See the terms and conditions for more information.

“Every single thing we do strives to build relationships with our local Aboriginal community.”

WA Premier’s Excellence in Aboriginal Education Award 2019Principal Paul Neates, Cable Beach Primary School

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WA Beginning Teacher of the Year

This award recognises the fresh, enthusiastic and passionate approach that beginning teachers bring to their classrooms and to the profession. They embrace technology and innovate in their approach to teaching and learning. They contribute to their school communities in many different ways.

The award category is for qualified teachers who have taught for up to three years and are working in our schools with a significant proportion of the week dedicated to classroom teaching.

This award is proudly sponsored by Edith Cowan University.

Selection criteria

Nominations must address all three selection criteria in no more than two pages:




Prize

The WA Beginning Teacher of the Year receives $25 000 (50% for professional development and 50% cash) and three finalists each receive $2500. See terms and conditions for more information.

“On a good day, I see my students trying so hard to be their best selves. On a great day, I see the results of them being their best selves.“

WA Beginning Teacher of the Year 2019Tasmin Drummond, Vasse Primary School

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WA Education Assistant of the Year

This award recognises the vital role of education assistants in supporting the learning and wellbeing of students. They assist teachers to deliver education programs and encourage supportive and inclusive learning environments.

This award is proudly sponsored by oOh!media.

Selection criteria

Nominations must address all three selection criteria in no more than two pages:

• knowledge and skills

• imagination, initiative and resourcefulness

• service to the school community.

Prize

The WA Education Assistant of the Year receives $25 000 (50% for professional development and 50% cash) and three finalists each receive $2500. See terms and conditions for more information.

“Perseverance is a wonderful attitude… it can only lead to great things”

WA Education Assistant of the Year 2019Cassandra Wilson, Dawul Remote Community School

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WA Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer of the Year

Prize

The WA Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer of the Year receives $25 000 (50% for professional development and 50% cash) and three finalists each receive $2500. See terms and conditions for more information.

This award recognises the significant role of Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers in supporting school staff to develop culturally inclusive teaching and learning programs for Aboriginal students. They build relationships with Aboriginal communities that allow culture and languages to be shared.

This award is proudly sponsored by Kurongkurl Katitjin at Edith Cowan University.

Selection criteria

Nominations must address all three selection criteria, in no more than two pages:

• supporting Aboriginal students

• linking school to community

• providing whole-school support.

“Strive to be the best that you can be, never give up and live your dream as the world is your oyster.”

WA Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer of the Year 2019Lois Little, Newton Moore Senior High School

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WA School Services Staff Member of the Year

This award recognises the important work of school services staff in making sure schools run smoothly. By managing day-to-day financial, administrative, technical and hands-on operations, they contribute to their schools providing the best learning environments for students.

Success in this category will be based on the nominee’s role in facilitating the creation of an effective and positive learning environment that positively enhances both staff and student achievement and the whole school community.

This award is proudly sponsored by K2AV.

Selection criteria

Nominations must answer each of the three selection criteria in no more than two pages:

• knowledge and skills

• imagination, initiative and resourcefulness

• service to the school community.

Prize

The WA School Services Staff Member of the Year receives $25 000 (50% for professional development and 50% cash) and three finalists each receive $2500. See the terms and conditions for more information.

“The students are always inspirational and show me never to give up.”

WA School Services Staff Member of the Year 2019. Chris Dullard, Shenton College Deaf Education Centre

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WA Primary School of the Year

This award recognises primary schools that focus intently on the learning and development of students from the start of their schooling experiences through to early adolescence. Innovative approaches, community partnerships, strong leadership and commitment to professional learning shape the positive and inspirational culture of these schools.

This award is proudly sponsored by Teachers Health.

Written statement

Using the written statement template, describe how the school ensures success for all students and demonstrates a commitment to Every student, every classroom, every day; Strategic directions for public schools 2020–2024.

The statement should include references to school performance data, public school review progress, and demonstrations of how the school enables success for Aboriginal students.



• teaching

• leadership


• community engagement.

Prize

The WA Primary School of the Year receives $15 000 and three finalists each receive $2500. See the terms and conditions for more information.

“From the Principal to the gardener, we all take responsibility for the education of our students.”

WA Primary School of the Year 2019Principal Ted Nastasi, Caladenia Primary School

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WA Secondary School of the Year

This award recognises secondary schools that inspire students in their academic, social and creative development. Outstanding teaching and leadership create positive environments for students to achieve their best, for staff to contribute their best and for communities to be actively involved in their schools.

This award is proudly sponsored by Perth Energy.

Written statement

Using the written statement template, describe how the school ensures success for all students and demonstrates a commitment to Every student, every classroom, every day; Strategic directions for public schools 2020–2024.

The statement should include references to school performance data, public school review progress, and demonstrations of how the school enables success for Aboriginal students.



• teaching

• leadership


• community engagement.

Prize

The WA Secondary School of the Year receives $15 000 and three finalists each receive $2500. See the terms and conditions for more information.

“No student is left out and we use our resources to ensure every child has the opportunity to achieve their best.”

WA Secondary School of the Year 2019Principal Craige Pettit, Bunbury Senior High School

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WA Primary Principal of the Year

This award recognises the exciting and significant role of principals in primary schools. As mentors and motivators, they create partnerships and work with their communities. They secure the best possible learning outcomes for their young students.

This award is proudly sponsored by Fotoworks.

Written statement

Using the written statement template, describe how the principal demonstrates effective leadership, ensuring success for all students, addressing Every student, every classroom, every day; Strategic directions for public schools 2020–2024.

The nomination will be judged against the following criteria based on the Australian Professional Standard for Principals:

• leads and promotes exemplary teaching and learning

• leads and promotes the development of self and others

• leads and promotes improvement, innovation and change

• demonstrates exemplary management of the school

• leads and promotes high level community engagement.

Prize

The WA Primary Principal of the Year receives $25 000 (50% for professional development and 50% cash) and three finalists each receive $2500. See terms and conditions for more information.

“To influence the lives of students, their families and staff is such a privilege.”

WA Primary Principal of the Year 2019Lisa Ledger, Baynton West Primary School

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WA Secondary Principal of the Year

This award recognises the inspiring and challenging role of principals in secondary schools. They take the lead in bringing their schools and communities together, and are well respected by their colleagues. They guide staff and students with insight and inspiration.

This award is proudly sponsored by Teachers Mutual Bank.

Written statement

Using the written statement template, describe how the principal demonstrates effective leadership, ensuring success for all students, addressing Every student, every classroom, every day; Strategic directions for public schools 2020–2024.


• leads and promotes exemplary teaching





Prize

The WA Secondary Principal of the Year receives $25 000 (50% for professional development and 50% cash) and three finalists each receive $2500. See the terms and conditions for more information.

“I always hope that students will remember someone cared and the enjoyment they got when they challenged themselves and learn something new.”

WA Secondary Principal of the Year 2019Keith Svendsen, Baldivis Senior College

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WA Primary Deputy Principal of the Year

This award recognises the important role of deputy principals in ensuring success for all students. Motivated and passionate they promote positive relationships between students, staff, parents and the wider community. They use their high-level knowledge and experience as instructional leaders to develop the capacity of others.

This award is proudly sponsored by Beilby Downing Teal.

Written statement

Using the written statement template, describe the context of the nominee’s role and how they demonstrate effective leadership, ensuring success for all students, addressing Every student, every classroom, every day; Strategic directions for public schools 2020–2024.







Prize

The WA Primary Deputy Principal of the Year receives $25 000 (50% for professional development and 50% cash) and three finalists each receive $2500. See the terms and conditions for more information.

“Deputy principals play a critical role in our primary schools, as part of the school leadership team, and are thoroughly deserving of the recognition this award brings to the position.

A high performing deputy principal brings a range of skills, knowledge and understanding to the role and is highly valued by staff, students and parents.

Deputy principals can be instrumental in the transformation of schools in their unwavering commitment to developing self and others.

High performing deputy principals walk the talk and are an inspirational model to others in building a vibrant school culture.“

Ian Anderson, President, Western Australian Primary Principals’ Association (WAPPA)

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WA Secondary Deputy Principal of the Year

This award recognises the unique and important role of deputy principals in ensuring success for all students. Dedicated and innovative, they ensure the learning needs of all students are met. They build and maintain collaborative and respectful partnerships across the school and the wider community.

This award is proudly sponsored by K2AV.

Written statement

Using the written statement template, describe the context of the nominee’s role and how they demonstrate effective leadership, ensuring success for all students, addressing Every student, every classroom, every day; Strategic directions for public schools 2020–2024.





• demonstrates exemplary management of the school.

Prize

The WA Secondary Deputy Principal of the Year receives $25 000 (50% for professional development and 50% cash) and three finalists each receive $2500. See the terms and conditions for more information.

“Education is a dynamic science, but it takes a team to keep it moving. The role of the secondary school deputy principal within this team is integral to the smooth operation of any secondary high school. It has long been said that the principal is the wheel that takes the school down a particular path, but an outstanding deputy principal is the axle that allows that wheel to turn.

To create a successful learning environment takes vision, experience and a commitment to excellence. The best secondary deputy principals mix daily operations with long term strategic intent. They ensure that the right people are in the right spot, with the right resources, at the right time, whilst also ensuring the flexibility required to sustain a major community asset when the need arises.

The best secondary school deputy principals have these qualities in abundance, and they deserve the recognition that comes with this new award.“

Armando Giglia, President, Western Australian Secondary School Executives Association (WASSEA)

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Terms and conditions

To be considered for an award you must meet the following terms and conditions:

Nominations1. Nominations can only be submitted by

Western Australian public school staff, public school council/board chairs and parent and citizens’ association presidents. Students and individual parents are not eligible to submit a nomination.

2. Self-nomination in staff award categories is not accepted.

3. Nominations must be submitted online via the online nomination system by 5.00pm, Wednesday 21 July 2021.

4. Nominations and written statements must use the template provided on the website and use size 11 Arial font. School, deputy principal and individual staff nominations must not exceed two pages. Principal nominations must not exceed one page.

5. All sections of the nomination must be completed.

6. By entering the awards, staff and schools agree for their photographs, profiles and other details to be used for promotional purposes by the Department of Education and Government of Western Australia.

Eligibility7. Nominees must be employed by the

Department of Education.

8. A nominee (either individual or school) mayonly be nominated in one award category inany year.

9. Nominees must be working in the schooland position they are being nominated forat the time the nomination is lodged, withreasonable belief they will be in the roleduring 2021 and 2022.

10. Principals currently undertaking leadershiproles in central and regional services whohave the reasonable belief they will return totheir schools during 2021 or 2022 arealso eligible.

11. Previous nominees and finalists of acategory may be nominated again in thesame category.

12. Previous winners of a category may onlybe nominated in the same category after aperiod of two years. For example, winnersfrom 2018 and earlier are eligible fornomination in the same category in 2021,but winners from 2019 are not.

13. Nominees expecting to retire before the endof December 2021, or those taking extendedperiods of leave during 2021 and 2022,must disclose this at the time of nomination.These nominees may not be put forward forthe selection of finalists and winners.

14. Joint nominations for staff operating on atandem, team or job-share basis will not beaccepted.

15. Joint nominations for schools operating inpartnership will not be accepted.

16. Posthumous nominations are not accepted.

Nomination endorsement17. Nominated staff must read the nomination

and signify their agreement to beinginvolved in the awards before it is submitted.

18. Nominations for teacher, support staff anddeputy principal awards must be endorsedby the nominee’s principal.

19. Nominations for principal awards must beendorsed by the chair of the board/council,nominator (if not the board/council chair)and their Director of Education.

20. Nominations for whole-school awards mustbe endorsed by the principal, chair of theboard/council, nominator (if not the principalor board/council chair) and their Director ofEducation.

21. All nominations for principal and whole-school awards must be endorsed bytheir Director of Education. This includesnominations from Independent PublicSchools, where the Director of Education isacting under the authority of the DirectorGeneral.

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Judging22. Once nominations are submitted, all staff

nominations will be subject to furtherendorsement by Corporate Executive andStandards and Integrity. The Departmentmay refuse to proceed with a nominationat any time where a nominee is underinvestigation or has unresolved issues withthe Department or another governmentagency.

23. Judges will not assess nominations over thespecified page limits.

24. All nominees must agree to abide by thedecisions of the judging panels. No appealswill be considered.

25. Due to the number of entries and thecapacity of judging panels, no feedback willbe provided on nominations submitted.

Finalists and winners26. All finalists must agree to be present at

their school for the site visit to be conductedby the judges who will visit each finalist tospeak with them, school staff, students,parents and referees to help determinewinners.

27. Winners will be announced in Term 4 at apresentation breakfast. Finalists will receivean invitation to attend this event. Finalistsmust attend this event to remain eligible.

28. Travel and accommodation expenses(for one night) will be met for finalists totravel from locations outside of the Perthmetropolitan area for the presentationevent. Travel and accommodation expenseswill not be met for their guests, principals ordirectors.

29. All staff award winners must agree to beambassadors in promoting the awards andtheir profession.

Prize money expenditure30. Staff award winners must allocate half

of their prize money to cover professionaldevelopment. This may include, butis not limited to, course costs, travel,accommodation and leave to undertake aprofessional learning activity.

31. School award winner prize money may beallocated towards implementing programsin the school, professional development forstaff, student resources, and other suitableactivities.

32. All professional development must becompleted within the following calendaryear. If the payment awarded is not fullyspent within that calendar year, the unspentamount must be returned.

33. Winners will be required to complete a formdetailing the professional developmentthey will undertake as well as the aims andexpected outcomes.

34. Winners are required to submit a reportdetailing the outcomes of their professionaldevelopment within one month of havingcompleted the professional development.

Nomination prize for public schools35. By nominating in the WA Education Awards,

entrants agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

36. The nomination prize competition willrun from 4 May 2021 until 5pm on Wednesday 21 July 2021.

37. All valid nominations go into the draw to win a prize consisting of a 75” interactive screen, valued at up $8000, installed in a Western Australian public school, from K2 Audiovisual.

38. The prize will be awarded to the first valid nomination selected at random on Monday 26 July 2021 at the East Perth office of the Department of Education.

39. The prize winner will be announced atthe WA Education Awards presentation breakfast event in Term 4, 2021.

40. The prize is not redeemable for cash and is non transferable.

41. The final draw cannot be contested. No correspondence will be entered into.

education.wa.edu.au/awards

nomination guide - department of education

Documents