24 June 2025
Ashdale Secondary College and West Leeming Primary School science specialist, Chrissy Marcelli, have been recognised in the 2025 Australian Education Awards.
Ashdale Secondary College is an awardee in the Secondary School of the Year - government category.
The awards are an independent program in the K-12 education sector. They showcase the top-performing schools, principals, department heads and teachers for their outstanding achievements and transformative work that makes a profound difference to the lives of young people across Australia.
Ashdale Secondary College is an awardee in the Secondary School of the Year - government category for the second time.
Principal Jacquie Bogunovich said she was thrilled to hear the college had again been recognised on a national level.
“ASC [Ashdale Secondary College] prides itself on the drive for continual improvement and the belief that no matter how well we are doing, there are always areas we can improve,” Ms Bogunovich said.
“There is unrelenting focus in the college on teaching quality, which has high expectations.
“Our teaching staff are clear on what good performance looks like, and the college works to support the professional growth of all our staff to be the very best that they can be.”
Ms Bogunovich said building strong relationships across the school community was also a key focus.
“The wellbeing of our students and staff, their sense of belonging and connectedness and their commitment to our culture ensures our success,” she said.
West Leeming Primary School science specialist, Chrissy Marcelli, was an awardee in the Primary School Teacher of the Year - government category.
Ms Marcelli is an awardee in the Primary School Teacher of the Year - government category.
She said she was honoured to be recognised.
“I was genuinely touched to be recognised at this level,” Ms Marcelli said.
“This award is really a reflection of my students, colleagues and the supportive community we’ve built at West Leeming.”
A highlight of Ms Marcelli's teaching journey is helping students become confident, curious learners.
“I want students to know that science, or any learning, isn’t just something we read about, it’s something we do,” she said.
“We’re all scientists when we ask questions, explore ideas and look closely at the world around us.
“At the heart of everything I do is the belief that students come first. Their stories, questions and culture are where learning begins.”
All awardees will attend the Australian Education Awards ceremony in Sydney in August, where the winners will be announced.
Find more information on the Australian Education Awards website.