WYNNUM has a winner in local Claire Stanic, who has been recognised for her “outstanding contribution” as a teacher at Brisbane Bayside State College.
Ms Stanic is one of the winners of Queensland College of Teachers’ TEACHX award, recognising top teachers around the state.
The Wynnum resident was acknowledged for her passionate advocacy in improving relations with the Quandamooka community.
“Being recognised for contribution to community feels right for me as it is one of our college’s core values and I try to live it,” Ms Stanic said.
“Individual community awards must be seen as a team award.”
Ms Stanic developed her school’s Reconciliation Action Plan, and redesigned Bayside College’s communal spaces to “reflect and honour Quandamooka traditions” with a $10,000 grant, the Queensland College of Teachers said in a media release.
Ms Stanic considers education on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and traditions “an Australian curriculum priority”.
She said that “students who learn, work and live on Quandamooka Country have the amazing opportunity to learn from the Traditional Owners; we don’t have to read about it in books or online”.
The Bayside teacher is eager for everyone educated in the area to engage with the unique people, history and culture of Quandamooka Country.
“Local knowledge, local pride,” she said.
Besides her passion for First Nations education, Ms Stanic was also acknowledged for her engaging pedagogy.
Asked about what characteristics make for a successful teacher, she said, “A good teacher is one that supports students to make sense of their world … a good teacher aims to create lifelong learners.”
Ms Stanic also commented on the importance of the public school system, and is concerned about underfunding.
“Only 1.3% of public schools in Australia receive the minimum funding they need from governments. Our public school students are worth more than that. They are our future. Young people need us to educate them in equitable and excellent environments.”
Brisbane Bayside State College principal Catherine McCarthy said that “as a school community we are excited and proud that one of our own teachers has been recognised”.
