School claims state’s top award

ARMSTRONG Creek School’s inclusive and innovative approach to teaching has been recognised with two Victorian Education Excellence Awards, including the awards program’s top prize.

The school won the VEEA Outstanding Inclusive Education award in the team category, along with the highest recognition across all schools statewide, the Lindsay Thompson Awards for Excellence.

Principal Evan Savage had been extremely proud of the school being named a finalist for its achievements, explaining that “since its inception, Armstrong Creek School has set out to re-imagine the way we teach to ensure all children, regardless of ability, disability or circumstance, have access to high quality, personalised learning”.

“At the very core, our position today is a direct result of committed staff, engaged students and a supportive parent and local community,” Mr Savage said after the nomination.

The Outstanding Inclusive Education award recognised that “as one of Victoria’s newest schools catering for students of all abilities, Armstrong Creek School has established a genuine commitment to supporting all learners at their point of need”.

In announcing the Lindsay Thompson award, the state government acknowledged that Armstrong Creek School “truly demonstrates inclusive educational practice by catering for students of all abilities, including a high proportion of learners with disabilities and additional needs”.

“It utilises the best components of mainstream primary and special school settings under the one roof, enabling real inclusion involving the deliberate and planned use of all its resources,” the VEEA announcement said.

“The school has developed a co-teaching instructional model delivered by expert teams of teachers, special educators, tutors and education support staff, that allows it to respond to each individual student.

“As the winner of the Lindsay Thompson Award for Excellence in Education, Armstrong Creek is sharing its practices, processes and philosophy with schools across the region and state, encouraging all to be inclusive.

“The school is passionate about Victoria being recognised nationally and internationally as providing high quality education for all.”

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman congratulated Armstrong Creek School and all its staff and students on their achievement.

“These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the important role our teachers, principals and education support staff play in educating our young people, and to thank them for dedicating their careers to education,” Mr Cheeseman said.

Minister for Education Minister James Merlino congratulated all winners to their extraordinary work and dedication “even in the face of two profoundly challenging years for our community”.