10 September 2025
Joseph Banks Secondary College and Chrissy Marcelli from West Leeming Primary School have claimed their respective categories at the 2025 Australian Education Awards.
The awards celebrate the outstanding work of schools, teachers, principals, and education leaders across Australia who are making a difference in young people’s lives.
West Leeming Primary School's Chrissy Marcelli and her family.
Ms Marcelli, a science specialist, was named Primary School Teacher of the Year. She is known for nurturing curiosity and confidence in her students through hands-on, inquiry-based science experiences.
Ms Marcelli said it was an amazing surprise.
“Honestly, I am so lucky to have such amazing colleagues, parents and students that I have learned from in all of the schools where I have worked and an amazing family and friendship network of my own to support me,” she said.
“I'm so lucky my husband Dale Watson, my mum Lyn and my dad Lui could be there with me. Our daughters Aimee, Jasmine and Jorgia were sending messages of luck on the night too.
“There are so many education staff that should be celebrated so I am just honoured to be one of them.
Joseph Banks Secondary College won the Innovation in Learning Environment Design Award. The school was recognised for creating innovative learning environments where students can engage in programs such as the Western Australian Space Science Education Centre (WASSEC), Digital Technologies, Robotics, P-TECH, Science, CORE, SciScope and Integrated Studies.
Foundation principal Eleanor Hughes said it was very exciting to be in a room with other finalists who were also there to celebrate their success.
“When Joseph Banks Secondary College was announced the winner, it was a surreal moment,” Ms Hughes said.
“When I was foundation principal there was consultation with our families and the local community. It was important to our community when establishing the new school that Joseph Banks Secondary College would be an innovative and future focused learning environment.
“This award recognises the contribution, patience and efforts of all our community members in building success for our students.”
Current principal, Liz Smith, was shocked, excited and incredibly proud when she heard the school had won.
“It was nice to have the hard work and dedication of our staff, past and present, who have collectively contributed towards the ongoing development of the college and the Western Australian Space Science Centre recognised.”
Find out more about the awards on the Australian Education Awards website.