NATIONAL AWARDS FOR FIVE NSW EDUCATORS

FiveNew South Wales school leaders have been officially recognised for their dedication and commitment to education in this state.

John Emms, Suzanne Fern, Karen Maraga, Liliana Mularczyk and Sally Ruston all received John Laing Professional Development Awards from Principals Australia Institute (PAI) at a special ceremony in Sydney today (23 November).

  • John Emms, Principal of La Salle Academy, Lithgow, has supported professional learning for principals in regional Catholic schools over many years
  • Suzanne Fern, foundation Principal at St Aloysius Catholic Primary School, Chisholm, has contributed to leadership development of leaders in Catholic schools in country New South Wales
  • Karen Maraga, Principal at Regentville Primary School. has worked extensively with school leaders in state primary schools to develop their capacity
  • Liliana Mularczyk, Principal at Merrylands High School, has had wide experience as a Principal in state schools and has provided outstanding leadership as President of the NSW Secondary Principals Council since 2002
  • Sally Ruston, Head of Junior School at Abbotsleigh for 16 years, has been an influential member of national and state education bodies and is a strong leader in the Independent schools sector.

Each of the five educators is an outstanding school leader and has made substantial contributions to education in New South Wales through strategic senior leadership roles over a considerable time. These leaders have been responsible for working with other senior educators to develop capacity in government, Catholic and Independent schools.

The national awards are presented each year to school leaders who have made significant contributions to the professional learning and development of their colleagues. This year, the New South Wales awards will be presented at a ceremony hosted by Principals Australia Institute and NSW Secondary Principals’ Council.

“Our five NSWwinners very much capture the spirit of the awards and their nominators were glowing in their praise for their achievements,” Principals Australia Institute Board Chair, the Hon. Susan Lenehan.

MsLenehan said it was important to recognise and celebrate the role principals played in providing leadership and a community focus.

“Good schools don’t just educate and inspire the next generation of students, they act as a focus and catalyst for learning, development and community spirit,” she said.

“Good schools need good teachers, and that means they need visionary leaders who can see beyond the day-to-day necessities and inspire students and teachers alike to achieve great things. We are very proud of what this year’s recipients have done and what they stand for.”

The awards, established in 2004, honour John Laing, a former Tasmanian school principal. John Laing was the driving force behind establishing cross-sectoral professional learning projects for all school leaders across Australia through Principals Australia Institute.

More information about each recipient is attached. All are available for interview.

Media contact:

Chris Presland, Deputy President, NSW Secondary Principals’ Council:

0414 986 514

John Emms - 0431 350 472
Suzanne Fern - 0428 312 444
Karen Maraga – 0414 786 290 / Liliana Mularczyk – 0417 284 227
Sally Ruston – 0412 122 520

John Laing Professional Development Awards 2015

Brief biographies of five New South Wales honorees

John Emms – nominated by the Association of Catholic School Principals in New South Wales

John has been principal at La Salle Academy, a Catholic co-educational secondary school at Lithgow, for ten years. During this time he has led his school community in developing new approaches to curriculum, teaching and learning. His work in the teaching profession spans 38 years. John has represented secondary teachers and principal colleagues in his role on the Executive of the Association of Catholic Schools in New South Wales which provides professional development opportunities and links with other education authorities. He is committed to the role that supports Catholic schools to provide quality teaching and learning for teachers and students across the state.

He is a member of the Charles Sturt University Partnership Advisory Board which promotes effective ways for schools and the University to work together in the region for the best educational and future employment outcomes for young people. He recently led a team of school principals who hosted a conference that explored the context of leadership innovation in Catholic schools. Participation of national and international speakers enhanced the opportunities for leaders in regional schools to access high quality professional learning and develop educational networks.

The John Laing Award for Professional Development recognises the leadership and service John has given to regional Catholic education and schools in this state over an extensive period.

Suzanne Fern – nominated by the Association of Catholic School Principals in New South Wales

Suzanne has undertaken several roles in Catholic education over 35 years. Currently she is Foundation Principal at St Aloysius Catholic Primary School in Chisholm where her focus on innovative teaching and learning is already well-known. Her leadership experience includes 16 years in different school leadership positions, and as a curriculum adviser with responsibility for 24 Catholic primary schools. In the state context, Suzanne has contributed to the work of the New South Wales Institute of Teachers and Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership initiatives and as the Independent Education Union representative on the Board of Studies. She is aware of the need for regional professional networks for school leaders and established the Far North Coast Australian Council for Educational Leadership Affiliate group in Lismore. She is a Committee member of the Australian College of Education and ACEL.

Suzanne encourages peers in their professional learning and promotes opportunities for building leadership capacity. Commitment to her own professional learning is evident in her studies for a Master of Education in Curriculum Studies graduating in 2003, and four years later, completion of a Masters of Educational Leadership. In 2009 she was selected as one of 40 principals to participate in the Leading Australia’s Schools Program.

The John Laing Award for Professional Development recognises Suzanne’s outstanding contribution to, and advocacy of, educational leadership and Catholic education in country New South Wales.

Karen Maraga – nominated by the NSW Primary Principals Association

Karen has had extensive experience as a leader in public education in New South Wales. She has been principal for 11 years and is presently in her fourth year as Principal at Regentville Primary School. Karen exemplifies the L5 proposition, ‘Leadership inspires leadership action and aspirations in others.’ She has been a member of the Leadership Working Party of the New South Wales Primary Principals Association for five years and is dedicated to the leadership development and learning pathways for aspiring school leaders and also current principals.

She applies contemporary research to her work and engages colleagues in learning and analysis as a basis for developing leadership capacity and competence. Her recent involvement as facilitator in the NSW Primary Principals Association Principal Credential Program is additional evidence of her commitment to the transfer of knowledge about leadership. She has also played a central role in developing the Art of Leadership Program in which 200 school leaders were participants over two years. Her dedication to the work of leadership development with school leaders was recognised in the 2014 Australian Council for Educational Leadership New South Wales State Awards and she received a Leadership Award.

The John Laing Award for Professional Development recognises and endorses Karen’s outstanding commitment and contribution to leadership development of her colleague school leaders in state primary schools in New South Wales.

Liliana Mularczyk – nominated by New South Wales Secondary Principals Council

Liliana exemplifies outstanding leadership reflecting the aims and vision of the L5 Framework in different roles in schools and the teaching profession over 35 years. Currently, Principal of Merrylands High School, she is recognised for her sustained commitment to creating learning opportunities for students, staff and principals that promote equity and excellence.

Liliana is an influential leader in roles both as Principal, and also in the broader education environment as President of the New South Wales Secondary Principals’ Council. This position, which she has held since 2002, includes advocacy and oversight of professional learning of public school secondary principals. She has been recognised by peers for her professionalism and impact on the development of school leaders and students in the state and across sectors. Earlier this year, she was thePatrick DuignanAwardee in the NSW State Awards of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders. She has been a State ACEL Executive Board member for 15 years and member of many state and national working parties. Liliana advocates for public education through actions in her school, state, national and international contexts. The focus of her sustained message is a dynamic, powerful public education system that creates strong school leaders, engaged learners and citizens.

Presentation of the John Laing Award for Professional Development acknowledges Liliana’s outstanding commitment as educational leader and champion of public education in New South Wales.

Sally Ruston – nominated by the Independent Primary Schools Heads of Australia

Sally has been Head of Junior School at Abbotsleigh for 16 years, and was previously in teaching and leadership roles in four other schools, beginning in 1983. Sally’s leadership is evident in the wider context of education and professional networks in New South Wales in which she has participated as an active leader. She has been a member of professional bodies including the Board of Studies, Independent Schools Teacher Accreditation Authority and the Australian Institute for Teaching and Learning Working Group that developed National Professional Standards for Principals. She is a member of the Australian Primary Principals Association, Australian College of Educators, and other professional bodies.

Sally is an advocate of high quality professional learning and support for leaders and she is well-known for her mentoring skills. Her engagement in professional dialogue is informed by current research and practice and the focus on student outcomes. She has demonstrated strong leadership as Federal President of Independent Primary School Heads of Australia, and also as State President and Treasurer. In 2014 Sally was awarded an IPSHA Fellowship. The citation highlighted Sally’s actions ‘on behalf of IPSHA, undertaken with courage, tenacity and integrity, clear vision for the ethos, promotion, and development of the Association.’

The John Laing Award for Professional Development acknowledges Sally and her outstanding commitment to leadership and professional learning in education over many years.

Principals Australia Institute provides school leaders in government, Catholic and Independent schools throughout Australia with professional learning, leadership development and support including national mental health and wellbeing initiatives.