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The Federal Government's third annual award ceremony for leadership in Indigenous education, Dare to Lead, was held at Parliament House on Wednesday 7 March 2007.
Ceremony details
Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop, recognised 18 schools for outstanding leadership. Four schools received a High Achievement award consisting of a $6000 prize and a plaque. The other 14 schools received Certificates of Merit and a $1000 prize.
Recipients of Dare to Lead awards are selected annually by an 18-member panel, made up of school leaders, Aboriginal educators and representatives of four peak principal associations.
High achieving schools
Three of the four schools which received High Achievement awards are involved in the early childhood sector:
- Curtin Primary School (Perth) is a government primary school with a student population of over 20 per cent Indigenous children. The school has had a great improvement in its literacy and numeracy results, and has developed a program and plan demonstrating its continuing commitment to fostering positive relationships with Indigenous communities.
- Kuranda District State College (north of Cairns) is semi-rural school with Indigenous students making up more than 40 per cent of children attending. The school runs the Families As First Teachers program, which has led to improvements in student behaviour and increased involvement of Indigenous staff.
- Waratah West Public School (Newcastle) is a government primary school with more than one-quarter Indigenous students. The school has a strong focus on curriculum and connection to community, which has led to strong improvements in students' behaviour.
Centralian Senior Secondary College (Alice Springs) also received a High Achievement award.
Celebrating leadership in education
Manager of the Dare to Lead awards, Susan Boucher, said:
'While these schools are in different contexts, geographically and otherwise, they share key similarities. All four schools work systematically, rely on data for planning and as evidence of outcomes, and make genuine connections with their local communities.'
During the ceremony, Julie Bishop stated:
'Education is the key to success for Indigenous students …
'The vision and commitment shown by these leadership teams and their schools in working to improve school performance for Indigenous students is exceptional. They are out there on the ground and in the schools—making a real difference to the lives of young Indigenous people.'
Visit the Dare to Lead: Making the Difference website.
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