Students and teachers are thriving at Bellbird Park State Secondary College (BPSSC), thanks to the collaborative leadership of Principal Michael West.

When this complex, multi-cultural, low socio-economic school opened its doors in 2017, students often arrived with low literacy and numeracy levels as well as difficult behaviours.

Mr West transformational leadership model, the Collegiate Engagement Framework, helped staff at all levels build their capacity through a systematic approach to observation, feedback and coaching.

It's led to measurable student improvements as well as excellent staff morale and culture.

Mr West said bringing a team together to collaborate on an improvement strategy is the most enjoyable and important part of being a Principal.

“I love seeing the growth and results with young people and staff members. It brings a huge smile when I see an emerging leader flourish.”

Throughout the model, staff eagerly take part in targeted professional development, peer and classroom observations, cultural "temperature checks", learning walks and sharing their best practices.

In keeping with Mr West’s belief that “together we are stronger”, it fosters a work environment where feedback is freely given and received.

And by many measures, it's working.

A recent school opinion survey indicated over 90% of staff were satisfied with their morale and culture. Student enrolment has increased, NAPLAN results are above average, students are winning excellence awards, and absences and disciplinary cases have dropped by 25% on average.

“Teaching is such an incredible privilege and children call upon us as educators to be their supporters and protectors,” Mr West said.

“The wins and achievements are a real highlight of my job. Many need to overcome significant barriers and this is inspiring.”

Mr West has forged relationships with six feeder primary schools and future parents to help students transition to secondary school.

He also led internal programs for aspiring leaders and Shadow Heads of Department. As a result, the school can attract and develop "star performers" and has retained 96% of its staff in the past two years.

Even with the challenges of COVID-19 and staff shortages, Mr West kept everyone moving forward. The model, however, is not set in stone - he is always looking for improvements and is open to trying new things if they help staff and students.

“Excellent school leaders are fundamental to a high-quality education system and to the individual success of schools. I’m very keen to give back to a system that has given me so much in my 20 years in education,” he said.

BPSSC is now the fastest growing school in Ipswich's aspirational growth corridor.

Mr West is a finalist at the Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX Awards, in the Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning category.

Winners will be announced October 27th, on the eve of World Teachers' Day in Queensland.