Clayfield College Honoured at National Awards

12 August 2023

It is with immense pride that we congratulate two of our passionate and dedicated leaders in representing Clayfield College at the prestigious Australian Education Awards 2023 gala event.

Mrs Audrey Fellowes, Deputy Principal - Head of Primary, was an Excellence Awardee for Primary School Principal of the Year (Non-Government) and Clayfield College Boarding House, under the guidance of Mrs Kathryn Searle, Head of Boarding, was also an Excellence Awardee for Boarding School of the Year. These leading independent awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and transformative work of the top performing schools, leaders and teachers from across the country.
 
While our nominees missed out on this year’s overall honours, Principal Dr Andrew Cousins said he was proud the College was acknowledged at such a high level. “It is a significant achievement to be shortlisted as one of the nation’s most successful and leading educators,” he said. “Both Audrey and Kathryn have been integral in transitioning Clayfield College to a fully co-educational school, using the Parallel Learning model. Their dedication, innovation and capability has shone throughout the award process.”

This is the second time the College's Boarding House has been recognised; also being an Excellence Awardee in 2021. The Award acknowledged the caring and supportive "family style" environment of our Boarding House in creating a place of belonging. 

The recent significant revitalisation of the Boarding House’s physical infrastructure has further enhanced the quality of academic and pastoral care programs provided. Kathryn said it was a privilege to contribute to a College that consistently seeks to provide outstanding opportunities for students, far beyond the regular curriculum.

Audrey said she was equally honoured and humbled to have made the shortlist. Audrey’s nomination recognised her hard work to increase Clayfield’s Primary School population, as well as being instrumental in the introduction of innovative initiatives such as Bush School and the MacqLit and MiniLit literacy programs.

These efforts are also reflected in the College’s strong NAPLAN results this year. “It has been so rewarding to see the uplift in our students’ performance in these areas,” Audrey said. “While I am humbled to have been nominated, this is a team achievement and award for the entire Primary School; teachers, students and community.”

Dr Cousins said such significant recognition provided great encouragement for the whole College to continue to strive for excellence, so that Clayfield students across all ages can let their light shine.