Nine Queensland state schools have been acknowledged at the 2023 Showcase Awards, celebrating equity and excellence across state education, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 27 October (World Teacher’s Day).
Recognising the role of Queensland’s teachers and principals, the 24th edition of Showcase is a key part of the Palaszczuk Government’s State Education Week and World Teachers’ Day celebrations.
This year, new Showcase categories have been introduced, which align to the Department of Education’s Equity and Excellence strategy.
These new categories highlight showcase schools who have significantly enhanced student outcomes and improved performance, by leading the way through student educational achievements, wellbeing and engagement, and culture and inclusion.
The nine showcased schools will receive a $20,000 bursary, which they will use to further support and share their innovative practices with other school communities, or to reinvest into improving their programs and initiatives.
Queensland Minister for Education Grace Grace congratulated all showcased schools for achieving recognition through the state’s most prestigious program for state school education.
“Each of these nine schools should be incredibly proud of their efforts to enhance students’ learning experiences and advance Queensland’s future, through equity and excellence,” Ms Grace said.
“Our schools and teachers are committed to achieving outstanding education outcomes and are always searching for new ways to engage and educate our future generations.”
2023 winners
Category: QSuper Starting Strong (Early Years to Year 2)
School: Richmond State School, Literate Learners – a whole school approach to high quality teaching of reading from Prep to Year 10
“We are a very proud community who take pride in the strong partnerships we have forged between, parents, teachers, students, our P&C and the broader community,” Richmond State School Principal Elizabeth Mayo said.
“Being one of the 9 schools in Queensland showcased in 2023 has added to that sense of pride and is a testament to the school team, our students and our community. We will continue to celebrate the achievements of our students, school and our community into the future.”
Category: Telstra Building on Foundations (Years 3 – 6)
Schools:
Gladstone West State School, Buraligim Weiber – ‘A Place of Learning’ Project
Mossman State School, Locally relevant curriculum development to consolidate strong foundations for lifelong learning
“I am so proud of our Buraligim Weiber program and our work supporting First Nations students,” Gladstone West State School Assistant Principal Sarah Jacob said.
“To receive the Showcase acknowledgement of the incredible work and dedication of our team is an absolute honour.”
Mossman State School Principal Randal Smith said: “We feel incredibly privileged to have our staff, students and school community recognised through a holistic approach to education amongst all the other hard working, dedicated and successful state schools in this beautiful state of Queensland.”
Category: On Track for Success (Years 7 – 9)
School: Emerald State High School, An innovative approach to positive transitions to junior secondary
“The staff of Emerald State High School were delighted when they learnt that we were one of the nine Queensland schools to be acknowledged as a showcased school,” Emerald State High School Principal Sean Maher said.
“In partnership with staff from our feeder primary schools, staff have worked with diligence and a spirit of creativity and innovation to produce something very special for our transition students that aligns well with the direction of Equity and Excellence.”
Category: QUT Ready for the Future (Years 10 – 12)
School: Corinda State High School, Improved teaching practice to support the needs of diverse learners and deliver meaningful pathways for every student
“We are very honoured to be acknowledged for our achievements and proud to be able to share this recognition with our school community. It is testament to our vision ‘Exceed Your Expectations’ and everything we do to support our students,” Corinda State High School Principal Helen Jamieson said.
“Being a showcased school validates our work and our unrelenting focus on improving outcomes for our students.”
Category: QTU Bevan Brennan ‘Every Child Needs a Champion’: Realising the potential for every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student
Schools:
Koolkan Aurukun State School, Creating safe, supportive and inclusive environments that enhance engagement
Heatley Secondary College, Heatley Proud Learners where ‘Our Future is Our Focus’ – a whole school approach to nurturing and maximising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students’ social, emotional and physical wellbeing
“This acknowledgement is a recognition of dedicated, focused work by the Re-engagement Case Management Team who have ensured that some of our most vulnerable children, young people and their families are not invisible in our community,” Koolkan Aurukun State School Executive Principal Baressa Frazer said.
“It means that the voices of our community and families are championed in the decision-making process around educational access for children and young people.”
Heatley Secondary College Principal Murray James said: “It is a privilege to be recognised in the QTU Bevan Brennan ‘Every Child Needs a Champion’ category, as it acknowledges the great work our staff do, both teaching and support, in making a difference to the lives of our students.
“Being a showcased school recognises the 5 years of work and commitment to building a Heatley Proud culture to ensure we improve student wellbeing and learning outcomes through a whole of community effort. “
Category: Griffith University Jack Pizzey Leadership Team of the Year
Schools:
Kenmore State School, Building an expert teaching team through teacher capability in curriculum, assessment and pedagogy alignment
Benowa State School, A leadership team which promotes professional learning amongst staff leading to increased student results
“As a school, we often get caught up in what we should be doing next, or what could we be doing,” Kenmore State School Principal Ingrid Freeman said.
“This nomination has, in many ways, forced us to stop and find a way to celebrate all the varied ways that people contribute to our school and the lives of our children.”
Benowa State School Principal Michael Josey said: “Nine years of exciting, challenging but fulfilling work is being recognised. This is a humbling moment for us all. It has given us all a boost of enthusiasm and drive forward on our next strategic milestones.”
For more information visit: https://showcase.education.qld.gov.au/showcased-schools
