Courage Starts Here Awards 2024
2024 marked the launch of the inaugural Courage Starts Here Awards at Penrhos College. These awards underpin our strategic direction and the pillars upon which it is built: Embrace, Create, Soar, Blaze and Impact.
Inspired by Penrhos Principal Kalea Haran in her early days at the College, these awards were born from an idea to honour our Alumni by recognising a student who demonstrates bravery and speaks up for what is right. This vision evolved into a broader celebration of every community member who exemplifies our values and commitments across our pillars, embracing who we are and what we stand for.
The 2024 Courage Starts Here Awards
About the Awards
Our Embrace award recognises a member of our Alumni for their ongoing relationship with the College, and their continued endeavour and commitment to contribute to school life. Their actions and behaviours help to nurture timeless connections. They Love, Lead and Unite.
Our Create award recognises and celebrates staff who innovate and advance creative learning at Penrhos and/or progress industry partnerships with the College. The winner of this award will have championed creativity, collaboration, and excellence through the initiation and provision of educational opportunities for our students. They are Bold, Curious and Resourceful.
Our Soar award for our staff celebrates an individual who embodies the values and commitments of Penrhos College and who embraces the spirit of lifelong learning. The winner of this award epitomises this ethos through their dedication and commitment to their personal learning and growth as well as that of others. They have shown Vision, Determination and Growth.
Our Blaze Award is named in honour of our brave Alumni and is awarded to a student who has shown courage, curiosity and passion by challenging convention for the greater good. She has been a positive changemaker. She is a force for good, and has Loved, Led and United.
Our Impact Award recognises a student, parent or staff member who has made a significant contribution to serve others within and beyond our community and in line with our values and commitments. This award celebrates an individual who has actively engaged in initiatives to foster stronger ties between Penrhos College and the community at large, and who demonstrates a commitment to make a positive difference beyond our school walls in the spirit of connection and service. They are filled with Wonder, Joy and Optimism.
The first ever Embrace Award went to Jill Clarke, President of the Old Kobeelyans’ Association.
Jill, a proud alumna of Kobeelya/Penrhos from the Class of 1977, has been a dedicated member of the Old Kobeelyans’ Association for decades. Over the past 25 years, in her roles as Treasurer and now President since 2020, Jill has tirelessly worked to preserve the rich history of Kobeelya and strengthened the bond between Penrhos and its alumni. Her unwavering commitment and passion was truly inspiring and deeply valued by our entire community.
Congratulations to Gemma Brogden for having won our inaugural Create Award!
As the Junior School Gifted and Talented Integrator, Gemma has made an extraordinary impact by offering a diverse array of academic opportunities for our students. From Da Vinci Decathlons and Future Problem-Solving competitions to Young Writers' Festivals, Philosophy classes from Year 2, and Reading Extension classes, Gemma continually goes above and beyond her regular duties to enrich our students' educational experiences.
Her exceptional commitment and innovative approach in stretching students' skills made her a remarkable role model for both students and staff.
It was an honour to award longstanding staff member, Sandra Rowden, our inaugural Soar Award after 25 years at the College!
Sandra, a standout Mathematics teacher in our Secondary School, exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning and dedication. Her commitment to professional growth is unwavering—Sandra actively seeks out and engages in professional development opportunities, always eager to explore new teaching methods.
She has been praised for listening intently to her students and is always ready to adapt her approach to better support their learning.
Sandra's remarkable ability to learn from her students while guiding them through complex problems highlighted her dedication to both her own growth and the growth of those around her.
Congratulations to Year 11 student Matilda Barrett for being awarded our inaugural Blaze Award!
Matilda has shown extraordinary dedication to supporting the WA Breast Cancer Care organisation. Her commitment shone through in her numerous volunteer efforts and her impressive organisation of fundraising events from home and around her neighbourhood.
Matilda's passion has turned Purple Bra Day into a meaningful annual event at Penrhos, raising both awareness and vital funds. Her tireless efforts and inspiring drive demonstrated how one person's dedication can spark a ripple effect of hope and support for those affected by breast cancer.
It was a pleasure to present Grace Curtis with our inaugural Impact Award!
As a dedicated Pre-Primary teacher, Grace has gone above and beyond in championing the Penrhos Reconciliation Action Plan. Her deep passion for cultural awareness and sensitivity drives her to make a meaningful difference in our community.
Grace is committed to ensuring our students understand the profound impact of colonisation on Aboriginal people and the importance of cultural reconciliation. Her efforts to integrate this crucial knowledge into our curriculum and beyond have had a lasting impact on both our students and the wider community.
Congratulations to all our first annual Courage Starts Here Award winners.
It is both a privilege and an honour to celebrate these extraordinary women who embody our values and stand true to the vision that we have here at Penrhos College.
