Casey Grammar continues to win national recognition with Principal Fiona Williams and Head of Early Years Vanessa Hodgkiss named as two of Australia’s Most Influential Educators on Tuesday 18 July.
This year, Casey Grammar is the only school in the country to have two of its team receive this honour.
The awards, organised by The Educator, celebrate education leaders and changemakers who have made an impact on students, school communities and the education sector.
They also recognise those who demonstrate innovation and creativity to drive Australia’s education industry onwards and upwards.
As a leader, Ms Williams said she continually strives for excellence in education while also recognising the importance of strong relationships, empathy and wellbeing across the Casey Grammar community.
In the past 12 months, Ms Williams focused on continuing to advance the school’s learning culture and completed the Principal’s Leadership Academy at Harvard Business School.
Ms Williams implemented the Casey Grammar Data Dashboard to enhance individualised learning, completed Casey Grammar’s Strategic Plan, and developed the Casey model of curriculum planning and assessment.
“I firmly believe that schools should be a place of learning while also providing a supportive community and we aim to achieve this in every aspect of life at Casey Grammar,” Ms Williams said.
“With the support of staff and families, we have worked hard to build our school’s reputation and to implement innovative and improved education and wellbeing programs that inspire the highest standards.
“To be recognised as one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators is an absolute honour that I share with each member of our hardworking community.”
As an energetic and innovative educator, Ms Hodgkiss’s passion for evidence-based teaching helps students and staff reach their individual potential.
She is a lifelong learner who is passionate about improving her practice and has an unwavering commitment to building school programs that deliver the very best classroom experience.
Since arriving at Casey Grammar in 2022, Ms Hodgkiss has initiated a partnership with the University of Melbourne which focuses on how the science of learning can best enhance student engagement and self directed learning.
Her work has informed and elevated the teaching and learning culture at the school.
In addition, Ms Hodgkiss co-created Casey Grammar’s English Framework and supported the Junior School’s Inquiry focus on deeper thinking and purposeful planning.
She has created professional development sessions for staff on thinking development, inquiry learning and evidence-based practice, and is a respected and valued mentor to the school’s Foundation to Year 2 teachers.
“I am keen to find ways to bridge the gap between educational research and the classroom and to generate knowledge that makes the most positive difference possible for students,” Ms Hodgkiss said.
“Since I became a teacher, my goal has been to lead and inspire through innovative teaching and research, to increase student engagement and to strengthen our learning community.
“To be recognised as one of the country’s most influential educators.”
