Fathma Mauger, principal of Larrakeyah Primary School in Darwin, says it’s an “absolute honour” to win such a prestigious award.

The highly-regarded school was also a finalist in two other categories: Danni Mattiazzo as Deputy Principal of the Year and the school as Primary School of the Year.

Australian Education Awards, presented by The Educator, recognise educators and leaders who make an outstanding impact on their students, schools and communities.

As Australia’s leading independent education awards, they celebrate excellence across schools, principals, department heads and teachers nationwide.

Mrs Mauger has been with the NT Department of Education and Training for 40 years, 18 as a principal, 14 of those as Larrakeyah principal.

“The NT education system has allowed me to develop and flourish as a leader,” she says.

“I have had wonderful mentors over the years so I was proud to put NT public education on the national stage.

“I felt that this win was a win for all the NT principals who lead and bring out the best in people every day.”

She says Larrakeyah Primary has gone from strength to strength, supported by an “exceptional” school community.

“The staff are so committed to quality teaching and improving student outcomes. Innovation is a key driver in so many successful programs that have been delivered.

“I am proud to lead such an outstanding school.”

Mrs Mauger says the award recognises the “great work” being done in NT public education.

“It shows that NT principals and our NT public education system can compete with the best in the nation.

“In every public school in the NT, there is a strong focus on high quality education, explicit teaching, student attendance, student wellbeing and community engagement.

“School improvement is at the forefront in every NT public school. Understanding the needs of our learners in any school context is what the NT does exceptionally well.

“This award shows that NT public education is up there with the best.”

Mrs Mauger acknowledges that a principal’s job is demanding and complex.

“A good principal understands that good leadership is essential for school improvement. School improvement is essential to maximise student learning outcomes.

“The focus must always be on teaching and learning as that is the core business.

“As a principal of a high-performing school, I have worked to develop a shared vision and to empower teachers so they can work with autonomy and drive to make a difference to student learning.

“Inspiring and influencing others is important so that people want to come on the journey with you.

“A good principal inspires others and transforms education in a school to give students greater learning opportunities. Challenging the status quo and ‘thinking outside the box’ is important to make change to improve outcomes for students.

“However, it takes courage to make change. It also takes resilience.

“It is hard work to be a good principal as it involves determination, commitment and strategy. It involves leading with courage and being prepared to overcome challenges.

“A good principal knows how to build a strong school culture and can work with all stakeholders. There needs to be a sense of community in a school where all understand the shared vision.

“Staff wellbeing is important and caring for teachers as people will bring out the best in them.

“A good principal also invests in student wellbeing and understands the link between academic success and students’ physical and emotional wellbeing. Developing happy, confident, resilient learners is important so that children want to come to school and learn.”

Larrakeyah Primary became an independent public school in 2014.

“This allowed me to be creative and innovative as a leader, challenging the status quo and expanding learning opportunities for both staff and students.”

Larrakeyah Primary is the first government school in the Territory to be accredited as a Cambridge International School.

Mrs Mauger encourages young people to consider a career in teaching.

“A teacher can have a significant impact on a child’s life. Teachers make a difference and this in itself is so rewarding.

“We all remember our best teacher and know that they have contributed to shaping us as a person. Teachers support children in so many ways – academically, socially and emotionally.

“To watch children succeed, grow and learn is a great experience for a teacher.

“Teaching is also an exciting career as we are preparing kids for future jobs, many of which don’t yet exist. Teaching shapes the future workforce and communities.” TQ