Joanne Thomson

Kirwan State High School

In her 25th year at Kirwan State High School (KSHS), Joanne Thomson is working alongside teachers she once inspired as students.

Since the very beginning of her teaching career in 1993, Joanne has been dedicated to providing excellence in education to generations of children at KSHS.

Executive Principal at KSHS Meredith Wenta says, “One of Joanne’s greatest passions as an educator is her belief in the importance of valuing the whole student – not just the learner.”

“Joanne wholeheartedly lives and breathes the mission of Kirwan High and that is to provide ‘educational excellence for tomorrow’s citizens’,” says Meredith.

As demonstrated by her numerous positions in and commitment to the school’s Student Wellbeing department, Joanne constantly endeavours to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging and success.

She is particularly proud of her work with Kirwan’s Indigenous Young Leaders program and in promoting reconciliation as one of the school’s core values.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback about Joanne’s teaching have led to her nomination for the 2017 QCT Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award.

In her previous role as Deputy Principal, Joanne led the school’s Annual Indigenous Student Celebration Evening and Annual Special Education Celebration Evening.

In her recent role as Pedagogical Coach, Joanne led a long term collaborative project mentoring eight teachers from the core subjects, including the mainstream teacher and their learning support teacher partner, whose students then went on to achieve enhanced results.

She is a recognised leader of curriculum at KSHS, and around the district and state for the subject of Ancient History. 

Students at KSHS will continue to learn Ancient History, thanks to Joanne who was integral to the school’s renewal of the subject.

Joanne is looking forward to commencing a Master of History degree in 2018.

She has been involved in every KSHS musical production since 1994, and has also accompanied students on a number of international school trips to countries including New Zealand, Japan and Indonesia.
 
Deputy Principal at KSHS Shannon Carter says Joanne’s commitment to innovative and engaging teaching to ensure all students strive to reach their potential is at the cornerstone of her practice.

“It is without a doubt that Joanne is both a recognised and respected leader of our school,” says Shannon. 

“Joanne’s dedication and sense of accountability to student outcomes, her expert knowledge and her mastery of pedagogy are testament to inspiring students to learn.” 

Congratulations Joanne on your nomination.