Page 9 - Inspire Magazine

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WA Secondary Principal
of the Year finalists
(1) Everal Pearse, Southern
River College
(2) Damian Shuttleworth,
Carine Senior High School
(3) Cheryl Townsend,
Ballajura Community College

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previously at North Lake Senior Campus and title of this year’s WA Secondary Principal “I’ve loved the schools I’ve worked at,
now at Canning College where he has been for of the Year in the WA Education Awards. the people I’ve worked with and the chances
10 years. In 2015, the number of his local students I’ve had. That’s the thing about education
The Independent Public School is unlike to achieve Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks – there can be tremendous and rewarding
most secondary schools in WA. Students equivalent of 90 and above almost doubled, and opportunities.”
are generally 18 years of age and older, and one third of his international students achieved
come from both the local area as well as ATARs equivalent of 95 and above.
internationally to complete their secondary Canning College staff praise Alan for the
schooling and attend university in Perth. personal interest he takes in the welfare and
It’s a popular choice for many. There are development of students. His commitment to
about 1500 students enrolled this year and the their education begins by meeting each student
oldest is a 75-year-old, proving that it’s never when they are new to the college, establishing
too late to learn. a rapport with them and encouraging them to
“Everyone here is beyond compulsory call on him at any time.
school age, or nearly beyond it, but they’re But Alan speaks just as highly of his
here because they have made a decision to colleagues – both past and present. They are At Teachers Mutual Bank we
be here, to continue their schooling. So it’s the reason, he says, that he has enjoyed such have been helping teachers
a very different situation and a very positive a significant and fulfilling career. make the most of their money
environment,” he says. “The people I work with here are and their careers since 1966.
“From this year’s group we’ll send about outstanding educators and it’s inspirational With over 177 000 members
350 students to university next year. We have to be at a school where you have so many and $5.5 billion in assets we are
a very different curriculum. We offer the dedicated and competent staff,” says Alan. dedicated to providing financial
mainstream Western Australian Certificate of “Coming up through the ranks as a products and services exclusively
for teachers, their families and
Education curriculum but we’ve got a range younger teacher, I’ve seen great leaders go other employees in the education
of others that offer pathways to university about their jobs and I’ve appreciated their work sector. We exist for the mutual
and those curriculums are developed with and learnt from them. I’ve also been offered benefit of our members, which
universities.” great opportunities that have kept me inspired means everything we do is to
It is Alan’s exceptional work in this throughout my career like the Churchill ensure our members have a
positive environment that has earned him the Fellowship. brighter financial future.

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