Ms Tempest will be up against finalists from across the state for the Colin Simpson Outstanding Secondary Principal Award, which recognises exceptional principals who have demonstrated leadership excellence in a Victorian government secondary school.
Ms Tempest is credited with assisting in re-engaging staff and students with the college and education in Cobram by introducing individual learning plans and blended curriculum with an applied learning approach, as well as expanding VET and a successful re-engagement program, creating trust and a common sense of purpose between the college and community.
Incoming 2024 school captain Isabella de Vincentis is ecstatic about her principal’s success.
“I think it’s really good that she’s getting the recognition that she deserves after everything that she’s done for our school ... I hope she does really well. And I think that she deserves to win,” Isabella said.
For her part, Ms Tempest said being a finalist was a humbling experience.
“I am beyond thrilled to be recognised as a nominee for principal of the year,” she said.
“It’s an honour to be nominated. To be honest I’m still pinching myself.”
Ms Tempest, however, was keen to point out that the education team she leads at CSC is second-to-none.
“I am fortunate to lead a school of dedicated educators. My staff are just like me — they come to work each day to make a difference in the lives of our students,” Ms Tempest said.
The Victorian Education Excellence Awards support the continued professional development of staff, with professional learning grants of $20,000 available for each individual award and $25,000 for each team award.
One category winner will also receive the Lindsay Thompson Award for Excellence in Education, which offers a further professional learning grant of $20,000.
Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll said the awards were about recognising the efforts made by educators.
“These awards are a fantastic way to celebrate their contributions to our education sector — and recognise their invaluable work,” he said.
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, October 27.
23°C