ORMISTON College principal Brett Webster is one of five Queensland school leaders to be awarded the prestigious John Laing award by the Principals Australia Institute.
The award is given to principals for their commitment to education and outstanding school leadership.
The award is in honour of John Laing, a respected former Tasmanian school principal who was the motivating force behind an idea in the early 1990s to bring principals together for national professional learning programs to support their roles.
The award is peer-nominated and goes to principals of primary and secondary schools across all sectors.
Principals Australia Institute chief executive Paul Geyer said the award was highly sought after, especially as it was peer nominated.
He said outstanding school leadership had never been more influential in shaping society.
“We live in a complex, fast-moving world with many pressures and influences on children and it is very important that they receive the appropriate guidance and education to prepare them for their adult lives,” Mr Geyer said.
“The principals recognised by the John Laing Awards exemplify the high standard of leadership that is required and expected of the contemporary school leader.
“Great school leadership equates to a great learning experience and inspires both staff and students to be the best they can be.”
The institute said Mr Webster was appointed as a principal in 2000 and headmaster at Ormiston six years later.
During his time Ormiston had emerged as one Queensland’s highest performing academic schools.
“Simultaneously, Brett has led the team at Ormiston College to develop a strong reputation as a school at the forefront of innovative tech-enabled learning and preparing students for life in the 21st century,” it said in a statement.
“...Brett invests time in his own professional development and continually seeks learning opportunities from leading schools and educators around the globe.
“He is also called upon to speak at conferences, both within Australia and overseas and regularly hosts visits to the Ormiston College campus from educators around the world.
“Brett is described by his staff as an inspirational and highly effective leader who is clear in his direction and vision for Ormiston College.
”...Brett has developed a teaching and learning culture within Ormiston College that promotes innovative and 21st century thinking and practice.
“His professional learning and investigation of 21st century initiatives has led to a major shift in teaching and learning at the college and has seen it win awards for Innovation and recognition by Educator magazine as one of Australia’s most innovative schools.”
The institute plans to start an Australian Principal Certification program that recognises the role of principals in improving the quality of learning and teaching in schools.
