Excellence in education on show at annual awards

Queensland’s leading state schools have been honoured at the 21st annual Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools via a livestream video.

Education Minister Grace Grace said it was important to celebrate educational excellence in Queensland state schools, despite the COVID-19 restrictions changing things up for this year’s event.

“The Showcase Awards is the state’s most prestigious awards program for state school education, recognising and rewarding innovation in teaching and leadership practice across Queensland for the past 21 years,” Ms Grace said.

“I am very pleased to say the calibre of submissions and finalists was simply outstanding once again this year, with entries from right across the state.

“All of our winners and finalists should be incredibly proud of all they have achieved to enhance students’ learning experiences and advance Queensland’s future through quality public education.

“I’d particularly like to congratulate you all, given the unique circumstances that have transpired since Term 2.”

Ms Grace said that as well as rewarding outstanding state school teachers and principals, the awards recognise schools for delivering innovative programs that lift the standards of education and educational outcomes.

“Queensland state schools have continued to do inspirational work whilst maintaining the key priority of improving student outcomes.

“Today's award recipients are clear examples of this dedication and adaptability.”

Ms Grace said this year’s award recipients, along with the state and regional finalists, had shared in up to $335,000 of development grant funding.

“The awards program reiterates the high quality of education available to students in Queensland’s state education system and demonstrates that our state school students are part of a world class education system,” Ms Grace said.

“In 2020, 93 award submissions were received from Queensland state schools, involving more than 63,000 students.”

Ms Grace acknowledged the generous support of the Showcase Awards sponsors.

“We couldn’t deliver this important program without the wonderful support of our sponsors,” she said.

The 2020 Showcase Awards sponsors and partners were – CQUniversity Australia, Education Queensland International; Griffith University; Network 10; QSuper; Queensland Teachers’ Union; RemServ; Teachers Mutual Bank and TUH Health Fund.

The 2020 Showcase Awards winners are listed below. The full list of state finalists is available at www.showcase.education.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Laura McKee 0451 997 920

State Winners – 2020 Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools

Network 10 Showcase Award for Excellence in the Early and Primary Years

Winner: Berrinba East State School

Submission: Building children’s oral language through connections - Kindergarten to Prep Transition 

QSuper Showcase Award for Excellence in the Secondary Years

Winner: Maroochydore State High School

Submission: Experts in curriculum, mastery in the classroom

CQUniversity Australia Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education

Winner: Caboolture State High School

Submission: Building literate futures

RemServ Showcase Award for Excellence in Parent and Community Engagement

Winner: Laidley District State School

Submission: Connecting community together

Education Queensland International Showcase Award for Excellence in Global Engagement

Winner: Kirwan State High School

Submission: A deliberate commitment to global citizenship

Queensland Teachers’ Union Showcase Award for Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

Winner: Heatley Secondary College, Heatley State School, Kirwan State High School, Mornington Island State School, Northern Beaches State High School, Spinifex State College - Mount Isa - Junior Campus, Thuringowa State High School, William Ross State High School, Wulguru State School, Townsville State High School and Pimlico State High School

Submission: People, culture & country

Teachers Mutual Bank Showcase Award for Excellence in Rural and Remote Education

Winner:  Pormpuraaw State School

Submission: Effectively transitioning primary students into high school

TUH Health Fund Showcase Award for Excellence in Teaching

Winner: Katrina Holewa, Noosa District State High School

Griffith University Jack Pizzey Award for Excellence in School Leadership

Winner: Matthew O'Hanlon, Beenleigh State High School

Department of Education Bevan Brennan ‘Every Child Needs a Champion’ Award

Winner: Caboolture East State School

Submission: HERO Program