Kylie Doonican has immersed Gilston State School in Japanese language and culture and won numerous events and competitions in the process.

With 23 years of teaching experience and a passion for improvement and innovation, she has twice won the Global Citizenship Film Competition (in 2015 and 2016) and led the school’s Japanese drumming team (Sugoi) to be the first winners of the Primary School Ensemble section of the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. 

Kylie is AIM qualified using sign language to teach a foreign language.  She has trialled Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) methodology, participated in the Japanese excellence program, hosted multiple EQI study tours and introduced Japanese language right through to prep. 

She has led students on trips to Japan four times and offers Taiko (traditional Japanese drumming) tuition as well as student performances within and outside the school.

​“Kylie’s commitment to ongoing professional development far exceeds the QCT requirements.  She facilitates the opportunity for all students to succeed and lead productive lives by providing a variety of experiences and incursions including Drama, Kendo, Tea Ceremony, Shodo, Rakugo and Taiko, developing students’ mindfulness, language extension, global perspectives and most importantly ensuring they have fun,” principal Craig Douglas said.

Kylie was selected for the Endeavour Language Teacher Fellowships study opportunity, spending three weeks in a Japanese university, and last year a team of her students won the ‘What does it mean to be a Global Citizen’ film competition.

Her achievements with students at Queensland state schools go back to 1996, when Kylie's North Queensland school won the local and regional finals for a statewide Japanese language competition. In 1999 Kylie received a grant to conduct a regional Language Camp for Years 7 and 8 students which involved partnering primary and high school students and their teachers to build enthusiasm for languages and deepening global perspectives. 

Congratulations Kylie on your QCT Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award nomination.