2008 Awards
Special Commendation, School Leader Award
Ms Regina Byrne
Principal
Mt St Joseph Girls' College, Altona, VIC
Ms Regina Byrne has been the Principal at Mount St Joseph Girls' College, a Catholic secondary college in the west of Melbourne, for the past 6 years. Due to her leadership, and the staff of Mt St Josephs, the school has grown to 950 students. Regina has transformed the learning environment for the students with three major building projects and six refurbishments of older facilities. The school is renowned for its state of the art technology and innovative approach to the delivery of curriculum.
Regina's teaching background is in Music. She has continued to teach in the classroom, developed the Instrumental Program, initiated and developed school bands and she continues to play at all major school assemblies and performances when required.
It is obvious to all of our community that Regina has lead from the front in relation to the development of the music department in both curriculum and the physical environment. The current Music teachers look to her for guidance and support, and she still helps prepare the student musicians for major school functions. The students are proud of their 'rockstar' Principal and hold her in high regard.
Special Commendation, Teacher Award
Ms Jacquelyn Conn
Statewide Braille Music Consultant and Music Teacher
Geebung Special School, Geebung, QLD
Jacqui Conn has specialised in teaching music to students with disabilities for more than thirty years. She works in some of the most challenging special schools which cater for students, aged three to eighteen who require significant adjustments to access a music program.
She has been instrumental in adapting music activities to ensure that for children with severe intellectual and multiple impairments music is an exciting and successful part of their lives. Jacqui develops new understandings in students and extends their school curriculum offerings considerably. Her pedagogical approach has influenced many other teachers and therapists as well as strongly impacting curriculum and policy makers in the schools and state authorities.
Jacqui has been a trail blazer in music education making this available to all students regardless of their abilities. There is no doubt that Jacqui's influence in music education, especially in the special education arena has been significant.