This will be my final newsletter as outgoing President of the Western Australian Branch of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders, as I hand over the reins to the wonderfully accomplished Rachael Lehr.
In this newsletter I am sharing news of our recent ACEL WA Awards Ceremony, my reflections on the important role that educational leaders play, which I shared on the awards evening, and a farewell message from the Branch Executive to me, which they encouraged me to share here with the wider community.
ACEL WA 2024 Awards
On the 6th of November we got the opportunity to celebrate the 2024 ACEL WA Awards for Excellence in Educational Leadership. It was a wonderful opportunity to honour the tremendous service and dedication of a number of outstanding educational leaders in our State, who serve in leadership roles, as system leaders, school leaders, teacher leaders and in their engagement with research or tertiary studies in educational leadership. The Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA, Minister for Education and Training; Aboriginal Affairs; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests presented the Awards. We are grateful for Minister Buti’s support of ACEL and the important work that educators do in our state every day when stepping up to lead children, teachers and learning.
Congratulations to all of our ACEL WA Award winners for 2024, who were all nominated by their peers, an important feature of all ACEL WA Awards.
Acknowledging ACEL National Award Winners from WA
- Emma Cross – Coordinator, Early Childhood Education and Education Studies, Curtin University (ACEL New Voice in Early Childhood Education Leadership)
- Dr Amelia Ruscoe – Lecturer, School of Education, Edith Cowan University (ACEL New Voice in Early Childhood Education Leadership)
- Sinan Kerimofski – Collegiate Principal, Department of Education (ACEL Fellowship)
The ACEL WA Excellence and Leadership in Tertiary Studies Award
- Rebecca Harris (University of Western Australia Winner)
- Jessica Milne – Director of Environmental Education and Teacher, Emmanuel Catholic College (University of Notre Dame Winner)
- Che Tam Nguyen – Advanced Skills Lecturer, North Metro Tafe (Murdoch University Winner)
- Jennifer Overend – Principal Consultant Exam Development, SCSA (Edith Cowan University Winner)
- Diego Rico-Archila – Deputy Dean, St Catherine's College (Curtin University Winner)
The ACEL WA Research in Educational Leadership and Management
- Prof Darren Bryant – Dean of Learning Futures, Curtin University
The ACEL WA Teacher Leader Award for Excellence
- Olivia Harnwell – Pre-K and Junior School STEAM Teacher, Iona Presentation College
- Gaile Racey – Curriculum Coordinator and Teacher, Hale School
- Margaret Rath – Learning Area Coordinator of English -Ursula Frayne Catholic College
- Brooke Tonev – HASS Teacher, Peter Moyes Anglican Community School
The ACEL WA Certificate of Excellence in Educational Leadership
- Linda Archer – Director of Academics (Years 7-9), Iona Presentation College
- Perette Minciullo – Principal, Moerlina School
- Karena Shearing – Principal, Geraldton Senior High School
- Krystal Skelin – Deputy Principal: Teaching and Learning, Servite College
- Liz Smith – Principal, Joseph Banks Secondary College
- Donna Snow – Principal, Wembley Primary School
The ACEL WA Fellowship Award
- Jenny Cole – Leadership coach and consultant, Positively Beaming
- Anne Ford – Principal, John Wallaston Anglican Community School
- Olivia Matthew – Principal, Rapids Landing Primary School
- Kevin O’Keefe (Hon) – Retired Principal Advisor Aboriginal Teaching and Learning Department of Education
- David Wanstall (Hon) – Service Director Primary Early Childhood and Support, Department of Education
The ACEL WA Pre-eminent Educational Leader Award
- Prof Caroline Mansfield – Executive Dean of Education, Edith Cowan University
Congratulations to all these deserving Award winners.
Tam Nguygen could not attend the Awards Ceremony, so I presented Tam’s award to him at work in front of some of his students.
Reflections on Educational Leadership
At the Awards Ceremony I had the opportunity to share some of my reflections on educational leadership with the audience in my final President’s address. I would like to share these insights with the wider ACEL community in this newsletter.
Educational leadership is not confined to titles or office doors; it spans classrooms, teams, communities, and beyond. Whether you are a principal, a system leader, an academic leader, a teacher who takes charge of a student club, or an advocate working behind the scenes, your contribution is immeasurable. Leadership in education is not about prestige or status. It’s about creating environments where students can thrive, teachers can excel, and communities can grow. Every decision you make, every problem you solve, reverberates far beyond the walls of the schools. You touch lives that, in turn, will go on to touch others, creating a ripple effect that shapes the very fabric of society.
As educational leaders, you carry the responsibility of nurturing not only minds but hearts, cultivating not only intelligence but character. Leadership is a profound act of service. It is about empowering others to realise their potential and achieve their dreams. Nelson Mandela wisely said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." But without leaders to wield this weapon, to guide its direction, and to ensure its equitable distribution, education would not reach its transformative potential. It is you, the educational leaders, who ensure that this powerful weapon is accessible to all and used to build a better future.
Today, as we reflect on the importance of educational leadership, we must also look forward. Our world is changing rapidly, and with that change comes new challenges and opportunities. But one thing remains constant: the need for strong, compassionate, and visionary leaders in education. You are not only preparing students for the world as it is but also for the world as it could be.
To all the educators, never doubt the significance of your role. Your work is the bedrock upon which the future is built. You are shaping doctors, artists, engineers, social advocates, scientists, and thinkers. You are fostering citizens who will contribute positively to society, and most importantly, you are making the world a better place, one student at a time.
ACEL WA Farewell to Mathilda Joubert, from the Branch Executive
This evening, at her final official function as ACELWA President, we gather to celebrate and honour the incredible impact Mathilda has had on all of us and on the field of education in WA. Mathilda embodies the qualities of an exceptional leader, a dedicated educator, and a truly remarkable human being. Her unwavering dedication to education is matched by her endless positivity and commitment to lifelong learning. She has inspired us, not only through her accomplishments but also with the grace and kindness she brings to her work.
With an optimistic outlook that lights up any space, Mathilda approaches education with a future-focused mindset, creativity, and a relentless drive to make a difference. Her capacity to strategise and bring plans to life is nothing short of amazing. Mathilda doesn’t just dream—she makes things happen.
We are in awe of her leadership. A role model to many, especially women in leadership, Mathilda has shown us how to lead with strength and grace. Balancing a complex educational landscape with family responsibilities, she has demonstrated resilience and dedication that few can match. Beyond her work at ACEL, she has shared her expertise generously, fostering the growth and development of leaders throughout the educational community.
Mathilda has a unique gift for developing others. Supportive and encouraging, she is committed to helping every educator on their journey. Her thirst for knowledge and drive to improve educational practices for students are truly inspiring. She connects with everyone in the room, making each person feel valued. Mathilda listens closely and encourages others to share their voices, fostering a sense of agency and belonging. Her presence has made our team better, brighter, and more unified.
Mathilda, you are a true inspiration—a 'wonder woman' with a ‘can-do’ attitude. Your infectious smile, unstoppable passion, and ability to find learning in every challenge make you irreplaceable.
Your time with us has underscored your deep commitment to serving others. Your boundless energy, wise guidance, and steady presence have left an indelible mark on us. We are deeply thankful, and we will miss you greatly.
As you move forward, Mathilda, keep inspiring, keep energising, and never stop being you. Though some of us have only known you briefly, your impact is lasting and profound. Thank you for everything. You will be deeply missed in Western Australia, but your legacy here will endure.
We raise a glass to you Mathilda! 🥂Go well and strive to be ‘annoyingly optimistic’.
Thank you
My deepest thanks to the ACEL WA Branch Executive team and to every ACEL WA member and friend. It has been such a privileged to be part of the ACEL WA tribe. I will miss the collegiality dearly when I move to Victoria next year.
With fondest regards
Dr Mathilda Joubert
ACEL WA Branch President