Principal Frank Pansini is in the running to win the Primary  Principal of the Year award.
Camera IconPrincipal Frank Pansini is in the running to win the Primary Principal of the Year award. Credit: Supplied/Will Russell                d453314

Aubin Grove Primary School up for two WA Education Awards

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

Aubin Grove Primary School is among four schools in the running for Primary School of the Year, while principal Frank Pansini is one of four leaders in the running for the Primary Principal of the Year title.

Mr Pansini, who was among 20 of the State’s best public school principals taking part in an intensive course at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in June, said he was proud of both nominations.

“Regardless of whether we win or not, being nominated is a huge honour and is just reward for all the hard work and dedication by so many that has gone in to making the school such an outstanding one,” he said.

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The school opened in 2011 with an initial 315 students.

Today there are 1107 students on the roll.As founding principal, Mr Pansini said the school’s motto before opening was to be “A1 from day one”.

“All schools want to be the best they can be,” he said.

“Our focus from day one was to place students first and foremost in every decision we make.

“I believe we have done that.

“We have been very careful to place great emphasis on making sure that the quality of teaching provided both by our teachers and education assistants has been of the highest possible standard.

“We have achieved this by recruiting the very best educators possible and providing ongoing, high quality professional learning.”Education Minister Peter Collier said the awards were a great way to celebrate the way top educators make a difference to the lives of students.

“Each year, we honour the outstanding contribution of the best public schools, principals, teachers and support staff, and each year their stories are inspirational,” he said.The awards will be announced on November 28.

Nominations:

WA Primary School of the Year

Aubin Grove Primary School is a school committed to its motto: Learn, Enjoy, Aspire, Focus. With a strong focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities, students have participated in the Tournament of the Minds competition since the school’s inception. Students have achieved at the highest level in this competition and have represented WA in the Australasian Pacific Finals in three out of the past five years. Staff work closely together to improve their skills and teachers film their lessons to reflect on and drive innovation in the classroom. Year level leaders meet weekly to plan, analyse student data, share resources and implement whole-school initiatives.

WA Primary Principal of the Year

Frank Pansini is the epitome of an exceptional leader. Great challenges come with leading a school that has seen rapid growth from 315 students to 1107 in only five years – but Mr Pansini has managed these challenges skilfully. His model of student leadership insists that every Year 6 student should be a student leader. All students undertake a school-based leadership program, after which they carry out vital duties, act as role models to younger students and provide important feedback to the staff and School Board.