Walcha Central School (WCS) was highly commended for its focus on welfare for learning in the Excellence by a School and its Community category.

In his submission, principal Terry Sanders said over the last eight years Walcha Central School had improved student welfare and created a school community where students feel safe, valued, engaged and purposeful, and quality learning and teaching can occur.

“Achieving optimum learning outcomes has been the basis of the school’s wellbeing program,” Mr Sanders said.

“The program is focused on empowering students as peer leaders and engaging families and the community in the life of the school.”

Mr Sanders said a significant improvement in student attendance; performance and behaviour had resulted from the program.

“Relationships within the school and with the local community have become extremely positive, based on mutual respect and understanding, and productive partnerships have been formed with support organisations,” he said.

The awards celebrate high-level accomplishments by individuals and schools and recognise the pivotal role that the teaching profession plays in providing quality education for young Australians.

The presentation ceremony, was held in the Great Hall of Parliament House, Canberra, to coincide with World Teachers’ Day.

Six best national achievement awards were made to teachers, principals, support staff and schools. The Minister made a seventh national award for excellence in information and communication technologies.

In addition, a further 58 teaching professionals, school staff and schools were highly commended in the Australian Awards for Teaching Excellence.

“This year’s awards show once again the enormous contribution that Australia’s teachers make to shaping an educated, harmonious, forward-looking society,” the Chair of Teaching Australia, Dr Gregor Ramsey, said.

“Those who have been honoured for their work today have pioneered new, imaginative approaches to teaching, and created wonderful learning opportunities for their students.”