‘Principal, School of Year’ awards surprise

Since Justin Coupland became Principal of St John Vianney Catholic Primary School in Greenace about five years ago, the school has come along in leaps and bounds with a covered outdoor learning centre, technology innovation, refurbished sport areas, after-school sports and flexible furniture arrangements to reflect the different styles of learning as in real life.
Although proud of his efforts making his school, “a melting pot of many cultures, faiths and language”, work so well, Justin was surprised to learn he had been awarded ‘Primary School Principal of the Year (Non-Government)’ while the school was named ‘Primary School of the Year (Non-Government)’ in the Australian Education Awards.
“There are so many more school leaders just like me trying to do the best we can for the future generation,” he said.
“To win the awards was very humbling and it is certainly an exciting time for the school; we have an extremely closeknit community where professional learning for our teachers is prioritised.
“You plant seeds in the young but you don’t always get to see how they grow so any feedback is fantastic.”
A mum of two at the school, Rhoda Chaalan, cannot speak highly enough of the popular principal.
“We live in Yagoona but happy to travel to Greenacre to be in Mr Coupland’s school; he is amazing,” she said.
“On open day, he told parents that children are like the different shells on the beach; some fragile, some strong, some broken, some covered in sand but each is beautiful and needs to be cherished and understood, many of us teared up.
“We feel blessed having him as principal; our kids are thriving and he makes parents’ lives easier. He deserves these awards and more.”