In recognition of the work of Social Ventures Australia (SVA)’s Bright Spots Schools Connection (The Connection), NSW schools participating in The Connection have received a Leadership Award from the NSW branch of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL). The Connection supports exceptional school leaders in disadvantaged communities to improve the outcomes of their students. The NSW schools in The Connection are Rooty Hill High School, Merrylands East Primary School and Toronto High School.

Over the past year and a half school leaders from each of these schools have come together with colleagues from Victoria, the team at SVA, and series of thought leaders to understand how to build on and spread the progress they are achieving in their own communities. The Connection participants have shown outstanding leadership, embracing the opportunity to challenge themselves with new ideas and projects, and to proactively engage with other educators to share insights and expand a community of best practice.

Sue Cridge, Director of The Connection at SVA said:

‘In challenged communities, schools provide more than just a place of learning; they’re a source of stability and teachers and school leaders assume a heightened role in the lives of their students. The leaders in The Connection show an incredible commitment to ensuring their students’ futures aren’t determined by the postcodes they live in. If we learn from their example we can make great strides towards shifting the dial of social disadvantage in Australia.’

Over five decades ACEL has been recognising, contributing to and celebrating leadership in education. Since 1987 ACEL NSW has held annual awards to recognise the achievements of educators who have helped mould and improve the future of education and student outcomes in NSW.

The Connection schools will receive their award at a ceremony in Sydney on Friday 24 July.