Darkan Primary School principal Eloisa Goss is in the running to be crowned WA’s primary school principal of the year.
Ms Goss, who has spent the last six years as principal at the school, said she was ‘honoured’ to be nominated for a WA Education Award.
“I feel very honoured because the nomination was from my P and C and from the school community,” she said.
Ms Goss said it was rewarding that her community had seen her passion for teaching.
“I’m really thankful for my community … and that they’ve seen my passion as an educator,” she said.
“Every decision that I make is because I want children to leave our school having as many options and opportunities available to them.”
Ms Goss said that she couldn’t have done her job without the support of her staff at the school.
“I would not be where I am if it was not for the outstanding staff that I work with, they have all helped to shape our school and allowed my job to lead the school to be so rewarding.”
Ms Goss said her biggest achievement was the school’s transition to becoming an independent public school in 2015, which allowed the school to increase its own autonomy to provide the best possible education for its students.
Ms Goss was nominated alongside three other principals, with Kalgoorlie Primary School’s Rebecca Bope, Edney Primary School’s Aaron Chaplin and Subiaco Primary School’s Carolyn Press also nominated.
The winner of the primary school principal of the year award, along with the ten other awards, will be announced on November 26.
Winners and finalists will share in total prize money of $335,000 with a portion of this to be spent on professional development.
Education and training minister Sue Ellery said the awards recognised the important contributions made by teachers and school staff.
“The WA Education Awards are a stellar opportunity to acknowledge our inspiring teachers, outstanding principals, excellent school support staff and successful Western Australian public schools,” she said.
“I think every one of us can remember a stand-out teacher or other staff from our school days – and today’s group of educators is being rightly acknowledged for the mark they are making on students’ lives.
“Providing a high-quality education and equipping students for their futures are truly valuable endeavours, and I’m proud to recognise our finalists for their expertise and innovation.”
