Locally known for his fun loving nature and community passion, Beenleigh State High School’s headmaster has been announced this year’s top Queensland principal.
Matt O’Hanlon won the title for best leadership at this year’s 21st annual Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools.
He has built quite the reputation for himself after he was sent to Far North Queensland to troubleshoot and set up programs in an indigenous community in 2016.
Principal O’Hanlon, who has been at the Logan City school for 12 years, said the secret to his success was listening, having solid relationships, and community support.
“My staff nominated me for the award. It was very good of them and we are always a team operation,” he said.
“I’m only able to do so well because of the great team I have. It’s easy to lead when you’ve got good people following.
“I think it’s also important that they’re never afraid to express their opinions. We engage in active debates often.
“We also do a lot of building on community partnerships, which has done heaps for the kids.
“A large chunk of our students aren’t doing their ATAR. So we’re always about trying to get them out there in the community and then employed.”
Principal O’Hanlon said he loves helping his students and working with his team.
“I just really enjoy working with people. Not everyday is perfect but most are pretty good,” he said.
Always a larrikin, Principal O’’Hanlon said his best advice for other principals and teachers was not to ever take his advice.
“My advice is don’t take my advice,” he said.
“But nah, in all seriousness I think it’s just about trying to build the best outcome you can for the students in your care.
“It’s about building good relationships with the community and students.
“We are very lucky in Beenleigh that the community really does support our school and students and helps set them up for success.
“There’s no limit to what young girls and boys can do. You’ve just got to them the tools, community support, and a chance.”
Beenleigh was one of seven Logan schools to win regional awards this month.
SHOWCASE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCHOOLS
EARLY AND PRIMARY YEARS
Winner: Berrinba East State School, Building Children’s Oral Language through Connections – Kindergarten to Prep Transition
Commendation: Pimpama State Primary College, Accelerating Achievement Across P-6
Commendation: Beenleigh State School, Engagement in Learning
JACK PIZZEY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Winner: Beenleigh State High School, Matthew O’Hanlon: Leadership through Empowerment
Commendation: Browns Plains State High School, Blair Hanna, Principal
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE SECONDARY YEARS
Winner: Beenleigh State High School, Beenleigh READiness — rise through reading
Commendation: Kingston State College, Growth STEMs From Here
SHOWCASE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Winner: Browns Plains State High School, Supporting Diverse Learning Needs
Commendation: Pimpama State School, Pimpama State School: A Model of Excellence and Equity
SHOWCASE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER EDUCATION
Commendation: Jimboomba State School, Aunty Penny Taylor
Commendation: Mabel Park State School, Our Deliberate Focus
THE BEVAN BRENNAN ‘EVERY CHILD NEEDS A CHAMPION’ AWARD
Winner: Miami State High School, Pioneers in Deaf Access and Inclusion
Commendation: Browns Plains State High School, Attitude to Learning Framework
