Deception Bay principal wins leadership award

Published 12:00pm 10 November 2023

Christ the King Catholic Primary School principal Alish Conley has been honoured at the annual Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) Leadership Dinner on November 4.

Alish was awarded the Neil Bloxsidge Leadership Award for being a high performing leader, supportive colleague and a committed lifelong learner who demonstrates the values of Catholic education.

The Neil Bloxsidge Leadership Award is named in honour of a former highly respected leader within the BCE community, who died suddenly in 2010.

Alish says it was a surprise to win such a prestigious award.

“I was shocked to win this award as I was surrounded by outstanding leaders who work as hard as I do and are as passionate as I am about their communities,” Alish says.

“I am very grateful to be where I am, working with such extraordinary staff, as well as the students and families of Christ the King.”

Alish was presented the award by Head of School Progress and Performance, Derek Maclean, and Deputy Executive Director Durm O’Riordan.

Derek described Alish as a dedicated educator who ensures the students in her care receive the best chance in life.

“Alish is a natural teacher, and her exceptional instructional leadership and vision had an immediate and significant impact on improved learning outcomes for all students, in developing proficiency of the teaching and support staff and in ensuring that high expectations are the basis for all plans and actions,” Derek says.

“In her time at Christ the King, Alish has grown and developed a highly effective team of teachers and support staff who willingly try new approaches, processes, and strategies to engage children in rich learning.

“Alish’s influence is not limited to the Deception Bay community, and she willingly shares her wisdom and experience with colleagues.

“A number of principals and teachers have visited Christ the King to observe the wellbeing and behaviour support processes, including the embedded Explicit Improvement Agenda, signature pedagogies and practices. Alish is a leader among leaders.”