Queensland’s regional excellence on show in 2019 Education Awards

Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace recently announced the 36 regional winners of Queensland’s 2019 Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools. A number of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services have been represented in the winners list. 

Following the announcement, the regional award winners move through to the next round of award consideration, potentially becoming state finalists of the Showcase Awards, which will be announced on 29 July, Ms Grace said.

The Showcase Awards, now in their 20th year, are widely regarded as the most prestigious educational awards in Queensland, showcasing excellence in education, innovation and leadership. Being recognised as a regional finalist, or ultimate award winner, represents a significant accolade for these education settings, and provides recognition of their contribution to the state’s education system.

Commending the quality of submissions received this year, Ms Grace said contention for this year’s awards was once again “exceptional and extremely competitive”, making the task of selecting award winners all the more difficult for the regional judging teams.

“It is evident that local educators are incredibly passionate about implementing the highest standards of innovative teaching and learning practices.” Ms Grace said. 

State-wide submissions received this year represented 178 state schools, many of which run ECEC programs. The regional winners and 43 commendation recipients will share in $93,500 worth of development grants which will further support these initiatives.

This prize pool is supported by major sponsors Education Queensland International, Griffith University, Network Ten, Remserv, QSuper, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Queensland Teachers’ Union, Teachers Health, and Teachers Mutual Bank.

“It is important that we recognise the great work that our educators are doing day-to-day to ensure that Queensland continues to be at the forefront of new education practices,” Ms Grace said.

State award winners will be announced at the Showcase Awards Gala Dinner in Brisbane on Friday 25 October 2019, fittingly on Queensland’s celebration of World Teachers’ Day.

Further information about the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools, including the full list of regional winners and commendations, is available here.  

A list of regional award winners, applicable to the ECEC sector, follows. 

The RemServ Showcase Award for Excellence in Parent and Community Engagement

Winner: Boondall State School, Parent and community engagement in supporting a successful start to school

North Coast Region – The Network Ten Showcase Award for Excellence in the Early and Primary Years 

Winner: Undurba State School, Ready to excel: successful learning in the early years at Undurba

Commendation: Nambour State College, It all starts with a strong foundation

North Queensland Region – The Queensland Teachers’ Union Showcase Award for Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

Winner: Bwgcolman Community School, Closing the gap in P-3 reading with early levelled reading and teaching with a literacy focus