National gong for PLC’s Anita Roy

Reluctant learners become enthusiastic classroom participants and find academic success under the tutelage of PLC Perth Junior School teacher Anita Roy.

It was this factor and Ms Roy’s excellent working relationship with her students, their parents and caregivers, that this year saw her shortlisted for the Australian Education Awards Primary School Teacher of the Year – Non Government Schools.

One of just nine shortlisted candidates from around Australia, Ms Roy was scheduled to attend the Australian Education Awards Ceremony in Sydney in July, to find out the winning candidate, before the city was plunged into lockdown. The prestigious awards ceremony will now be held as a virtual event in December. Head of PLC Perth Junior School, Richard Wright, said Ms Roy thoroughly deserved the recognition for her commitment and exceptional teaching practice.

“Anita always has high standards,” Mr Wright said. “She demonstrates exceptional pedagogy through frequent and clear communication and rapport building with her students. She knows how to differentiate effectively to meet the needs of all students.“

Mr Wright said Ms Roy understood the strengths and areas for development of each student by using data collected via standardised testing and effectively grouped her students for optimal learning.

“She runs before school mathematics support groups, where she ignites a love of maths in previously reluctant mathematicians and she evaluates the effectiveness of programmes using internal workplace research, mentoring and supporting her colleagues to enhance their maths teaching skills.”

Mr Wright said Ms Roy led initiatives and Professional Learning Communities in mathematics, critical thinking and robotics, improving the teaching of maths, resourcing and assessment with other colleagues.

The judges also recognised Ms Roy’s high engagement with parents and the wider school community.

Mr Wright said Ms Roy was highly regarded by parents and the wider PLC community. “She conducts open classroom opportunities for parents in her class. She has parents immersed in the same learning the girls are involved in and provides the parents of a tangible example of the richness and depth of learning in her classroom. Parents are also encouraged to share their skills and knowledge with the entire cohort.”