Media Release: MSP Photography / APPA 2011 International Travel Award Recipient Announced

The Australian Primary Principals’ Association (APPA) today presented the 2011 MSP Photography / APPA International Travel Award to Darwin’s Top End Group School Principal, Ms Leonie Jones.

Click here to download the complete media release.

Photo: Norm Hart (APPA President), Leonie Jones, and David Good (MSP Photography).

Photo by Frank Monger, Franchise Owner MSP Photography,  South East SA & Western Victoria,  0408 838 688.

Top End Group School is made up of 13 small remote schools in the Northern Territory, with 85 per cent of the student body being of indigenous background.

APPA and Business Partner, MSP Photography, created the annual $10,000 International Travel Award in order to give an APPA member the opportunity to undertake a personal professional learning experience of their choice.

Ms Jones successful application will see her travel to small, remote Canadian schools to observe and learn about the ways they cater for the needs of indigenous students. Primarily focused on the Inuit lands in the North West Territories, Ms Jones’ study tour will allow her to observe and gain insight into those areas of direct relevance to the conduct of indigenous education in Australia. Ms Jones’ winning application means that she will be able to develop a broader understanding of:

• The role of the local Principal and the support mechanisms in place for the Principal
• The training and on-going professional support for Inuit staff, including teachers
• Accountability of a schools’ curriculum, HR and finance
• The inclusion of Inuit culture in mainstream Canadian culture
• Providing for Middle Years students in these remote locations.

This year’s award recipient emphasises the extensive connections between Australia and Canada and the unique shared challenges the two countries face with providing comprehensive education services in isolated locations to indigenous communities.

The MSP Photography / APPA International Travel Award is open to principals of Government, Catholic and Independent primary schools in Australia who are members of their State or Territory Association.

23 June 2011
Media contact:
Norm Hart - President, Australian Primary Principals Association
Mobile: 0458 010 949