Congratulations to Mr Josh Casey, Indigenous Program Coordinator and Technology and Enterprise Teacher, who was nominated and awarded as one of Australia’s ‘Rising Stars 2021’ by The Educator Australia magazine.

The Rising Stars list recognises professionals working in the K-12 education space, aged under 35 who are able to demonstrate effective leadership, innovation, and achievement in their career to date.

Mr Casey was one of 32 young professionals selected Australia-wide for their outstanding leadership, incredible initiative and passion, expertise, innovative approach to teaching and learning, and vision – all necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving education landscape.

Appointed as our Indigenous Coordinator last year, Josh has been able to incorporate many skills and relationships from his former professional role within the design industry, working specifically within cultural development and conservation to enhance both our Indigenous Program, and our Design and Technology courses.
 
Last year, he was highly successfully in implementing a number of new and impactful initiatives through the Boodjar Bidi Program, with the main focus of using art as a platform to tell a story.
 
His accomplishments include:

• National Reconciliation Week initiatives where Josh curated an exhibition in the Chapel presenting our Indigenous students’ reflection on being Indigenous. Promoted by Reconciliation W.A. and exhibited on a national platform at Yagan Square – the first school to do so. He raised awareness with GGS staff with significant positive anecdotal feedback.
• Development of Sculpture by the Sea proposal where GGS has been selected to participate alongside other international artists from 26 countries. The sculptures promote Whadjuk culture and enhance the survival of dreaming stories related to Mudurup and the Perth Region.
• Josh revised our in-school NAIDOC Week activities to include:
• Indigenous students leading Preparatory School workshops, focusing on food, art and design, costume, music, storytelling and symbolism.
• Students working on paperbark self-portraits/reflections combining Indigenous artistic styles and traditional materials. Colours, shapes and symbols were purposely woven in the portraits to create an individual response that celebrates each student’s heritage. The pieces were photographed and displayed at Yagan Square for the duration of NAIDOC Week to celebrate our emerging youth and their place within society.
• Hosting a movie night featuring Indigenous dance, the screening of a documentary focusing on Indigenous Australian history and foods prepared by students incorporating Indigenous bush tucker. 

Congratulations Mr Casey!

See the Educator’s Rising Star Award results here.