Story: Principal Performer
Felicity Dear, Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School in Bunbury, recently received a 2006 Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Improving Literacy and/or Numeracy.
The award recognises Felicity’s personal commitment to improving literacy and numeracy in her community.
Throughout her career, Felicity has worked to enthuse and inspire staff and students in order to achieve the best outcomes for her students.
She has had a positive impact on improving literacy within Djidi Djidi by leading and guiding the implementation of a range of practices dedicated to fostering literacy and numeracy development.
Felicity’s approach celebrates Noongar culture and language, with each class and all staff participating in Noongar language lessons. Language and culture are also integrated into other subjects
As a tireless advocate in her approach to improving literacy and numeracy, Felicity promotes unity by building strong partnerships with communities, linking together schools and families through a range of school activities and increasing parent involvement in children’s literacy and numeracy learning.
Felicity also makes sure that the school’s environment is a comfortable one; a place where parents are encouraged to participate in classroom activities. Parents and other family members can attend literacy workshops at the school, which teach them about how they can help their children outside of school hours.
She also encourages the use of school facilities for all community members, offering the use of the school’s computers and library. As well as this, she also helps community members to further their studies to develop confidence and find work.
In her work, Felicity has demonstrated an extensive awareness of Indigenous culture and the education needs of Aboriginal children. The strong partnerships fostered by Felicity have bridged the community, parents and teachers, encouraging and promoting improved student attendance, engagement and learning outcomes.
Deadly Vibe congratulates Felicity on her excellent work and her outstanding achievements.