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Wilmot Rd assistant principal embarks on global quest after winning prestigious fellowship
From the corridors of Wilmot Rd Primary School to the streets of Singapore, assistant principal Brendan Kenna has embarked on a quest for knowledge after winning a National Schools Plus Teaching Fellowship last year.
In a fiercely competitive field of over 4500 applicants, Mr Kenna emerged as one of Australia’s 12 most inspiring teachers, honoured for his exceptional work in meeting the unique needs of students and their families at Wilmot Rd Primary School.
As part of the fellowship, Mr Kenna received $10,000 to finance his professional learning, while the school received $25,000 to support improved educational outcomes.
Additionally, on Monday, April 17 Mr Kenna joined other education fellows from around Australia for a week-long study tour in Singapore.
During the tour, Mr Kenna and his fellow education fellows will visit several institutions, including the Academy of Singapore Teachers, the National Institute of Education and the School of Science and Technology.
They will also visit NorthLight School and Singapore Chinese Girls’ School and have lunch with Singapore’s director general of education, Wei Li Liew.
As part of his tour, Mr Kenna will also speak at NorthLight School about emotional regulation and its connection to learning.
Mr Kenna said NorthLight School was established in 2007 to assist primary school students who had difficulties keeping up with mainstream education and were keen on vocational education.
He added that “the school adopts an experiential approach to teaching and learning”, emphasising the students’ socio-emotional development and promoting self-esteem.
Mr Kenna hopes to represent the excellent teaching staff at Wilmot Rd Primary School and bring back a fresh perspective to help nurture the bright future of Greater Shepparton’s children, whether in state, Catholic or independent settings.
“Wilmot Rd is getting access to some of the best education theory and practice in the world,” he said.
“As one of the leaders at Wilmot Rd I’m so proud of the teachers and education support staff to make sure this program has been a massive success.
“I’m so proud of the work of our school”
Mr Kenna considers himself privileged to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and hopes to apply the lessons learned during his trip to improve educational outcomes for his students and fellow teachers.
“I feel extremely humbled and privileged to be able to represent our school in Singapore,” he said.
“It’s the single greatest opportunity by an absolute mile.”
Mr Kenna’s fellowship was awarded for a sensory program he implemented with the support of Annie Seccull from Thrive Paediatric Occupational Therapy Services.
The bespoke program helps students regulate themselves (with staff support) to spend more time in the optimum state of regulation for learning.
Mr Kenna’s passion for neuroscience and the impact of trauma on the learning brain led him to develop the sensory program.
He believes that the precursor to learning is to ensure children are regulated, feel safe and are connected to their teachers.
His dedication to supporting teachers’ emotional health and wellbeing and helping them develop strong connections to children reflects his commitment to improving educational outcomes.
The study tour of Singapore’s education system will give him a unique perspective to apply to his teaching and professional development.
Mr Kenna’s commitment to supporting teachers’ and students’ emotional health and wellbeing will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the region’s education sector.