Western Australia Minister for Education Elizabeth Constable

WA Public School Teachers Are Nation’s Best

Victor P Taffa

• Western Australian educators win two out of five national awards
• Winners competed against Catholic, independent and public school teachers and principals from across Australia

West Australians won two of the nation’s biggest prizes in education at The Australian Awards for Outstanding Teaching and School Leadership, in Melbourne last night.

Australian Primary Principal of the Year, Lee Musumeci, of Challis Early Childhood Education Centre was rewarded for her innovative efforts to help support young children.

Australian Secondary Teacher of the Year, science specialist David Henderson from Rossmoyne Senior High School, was recognised for his focus on providing engaging and unique learning experiences.

WA public school principals and teachers were represented as finalists in each of the award’s five categories.

Education Minister Liz Constable, who attended the Melbourne ceremony, said this remarkable achievement was testament to the quality of public education in the State.

“This is an exceptional accomplishment.” Dr. Constable said.

 “Our teachers and principals deliver a first class education to young West Australians and their hard work and dedication is securing our State’s future, so it’s important their contribution is recognised.”

“Lee Musumeci and David Henderson were among the best at our own Education Awards, and it is impressive that our State’s finest are also Australia’s leaders in education.”

“I’m so proud that we’ve had the opportunity to celebrate our State’s top educators on a national stage. These dedicated professionals who ensure the best for their students certainly deserve this accolade.” Dr. Constable said.

Ms. Musumeci and Dr. Henderson will each receive a professional learning scholarship, worth up to $25,000, to work with other education experts in Australia or overseas.

Fact File

• Australian Secondary Teacher of the Year – winner David Henderson, Rossmoyne SHS
• Australian Primary Principal of the Year – winner Lee Musumeci, Challis Early Childhood Education Centre, Armadale
• Australian Primary Teacher of the Year – finalist Sue Sheridan, Tambellup PS
• Australian Secondary Principal of the Year – finalist Carolyn Cook, Gilmore College, Kwinana
• Excellence in Teaching or Leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education finalist Freyja Lucas, Tom Price Primary School
• More information available at
• http://www.det.wa.edu.au/educationawards