Peter Corkill Named Principal of the Year 2016

Peter Corkill, Principal, John Monash Science School has been awarded Most Outstanding Secondary Principal in the Victorian Education Excellence Awards.

The annual awards recognize inspirational teachers, principals and support staff who improve young lives and give Victorian children the skills, courage and curiosity they need to be their best.

Twenty-seven individuals and teams from government schools across Victoria were shortlisted for the 2016 awards.

As principal of Victoria’s first school specializing in science, mathematics and associated technologies, Peter Corkill has led and inspired an innovative team, since the school’s beginnings in 2010.

Peter and his dedicated teaching and supporting staff continue to create and deliver cutting edge curriculum for more than 600 students who study at JMSS annually.

According to Peter Corkill, being awarded the prestigious accolade is a testament the dedication and support provided by the entire JMSS community.

“I am so incredibly proud and humbled to receive this award on behalf of our school. I believe the award recognises the superb work which has been done here at JMSS by so many people over the past eight years, from the time I first arrived on the Monash campus to see concrete and girders, to what we all see thriving on the same site each and every day, a school with a reputation which is now international. Starting a new school to me is Education’s greatest gift, and starting this one with such an amazing team of people, alongside our many wonderful colleagues at Monash University, has been a rare professional privilege and opportunity,” he said.

In partnership with Monash University, Peter has developed an engaging program of emerging STEM studies – utilising Monash’s high-tech facilities, leading educators, researchers and industry experts.

Classes are also accessible for aspiring young scientists in regional and remote Victoria through Peter’s extensive work in developing the Emerging Sciences Victoria online suite of outreach programs, as well as an annual four week Science Exchange for 30 regional students.

Peter’s vision, pride and enthusiasm for his school resonate through his students’ success – with some 85 percent moving in to STEM university courses annually.

“JMSS is an important part of our Government education system, a system which is both complex and diverse, but one which ultimately seeks the same excellence for every young person we collectively get to work with. We at JMSS build capacity in and provide unique opportunities for those young people who are passionate about science and determined to etch out a career in it or launch one from it. They are among the next thought-leaders of our nation. Furthermore, we are committed to building STEM capacity in the Government education system, to which our outreach programs, in the main the Regional Science Exchange, Emerging Sciences Victoria and the Little Scientist program involving so many Primary schools, will attest. The award is a recognition of this important work.“

“It is a privilege and an honour for me to work in Government education and to have worked with so many committed and passionate educators here at the school, as well as within the university. A part of each and every one of them is ingrained in this award. And it has been a joy to work for a community of young learners for which I have the highest regard. To see our students graduate from the school and go on to such incredible things is reward in itself. May you all continue to make your mark, and do so with the enterprise, collegiality, courage, dignity and humility which we prize so highly here at JMSS. You are all amazing.”

Peter was nominated for the award by the North-Eastern Region of the Department of Education and Training, by the Regional Director Ms Judy Rose. Each of the nine awards was chosen by a different panel of senior educators, former Principals, DET officials and other senior officials from a range of different educational bodies.

Visit the DET website for all the categories and winners.