THE best regional school in Australia for 2022 is based right here on the Fraser Coast.
Fraser Coast Anglican College (FCAC) took home the accolade at the Australian Education Awards in Sydney at the weekend.
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Seven other schools received Excellence Awards in the Regional School of the Year category, with FCAC announced as the overall winner.
National Excellence Awards take into account a school’s academic results, educational and pastoral programs, links with parents and the wider community, effective management of facilities and finances and a commitment to innovation and improvement.
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Principal Joe Wright said FCAC was honoured to be Australia’s Regional School of the Year.
“Our students, staff and community own this award. Their hard work, dedication, inclusiveness and innovation make our community a special place,” Mr Wright said.
The national award tops off a high performing year for the college, which was also the highest-ranked primary and secondary school in the region according to last year’s NAPLAN results.
“It’s a historic moment for FCAC and the Fraser Coast to be named as Australia’s top regional school,” Mr Wright said.
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful to our community, and it cements our position as a leading independent school and also as a catalyst for excellence on the Fraser Coast.”
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Meanwhile, Maryborough State High School was a finalist in two categories on the night.
The school received Excellence Awards in the Secondary School of the Year – Government and Special Education School of the Year categories.
Principal Simon Done said to continue the tradition of acknowledgement for excellence was an amazing achievement in itself.
“Over the last four years we have worked very hard to be acknowledged at a national level in a number of different areas, including extra-curricular programs, special education, well-being and strategic planning as well as a number of other fields,” Mr Done said.
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He believes being honoured on a national level proves there are opportunities for students in regional areas across the country – especially Queensland areas outside of the south-east corner.
“[These awards] motivate students and staff and challenges them to make sure that in everything we do, we are able to work together as a community of learners and to make our school and our greater family and community better.”
According to the Educator Awards website, the annual Australian Education Awards is a leading independent awards event in the K-12 education sector that showcases the top-performing schools, principals, department heads and teachers for their outstanding achievements and transformative work that makes a profound difference to the lives of young people across Australia.
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