Geraldton’s Champion Bay SHS principal Julie Campbell the only regional finalist in Education Department award

A Geraldton high school principal is in the running for a Statewide award, recognising her efforts in helping ensure a safe, caring and inclusive school culture and driving successful change.

Champion Bay Senior High School principal Julie Campbell, who has worked at the school for 15 years, is the only regional WA finalist in the Department of Educations’ Women of Achievement Award.

The honour recognises the contribution and leadership of women in the public education system.

Ms Campbell is one of five finalists in the mix, with the other four contenders from the metropolitan area.

Ms Campbell arrived at Champion Bay SHS as a fill-in associate principal in 2007 and was fortunate enough to be considered for acting principal, later taking on the top job.

She has lived in Geraldton for nearly 30 years and said she was humbled to be nominated as a finalist.

“This is so good for my school community and for our female students in particular — if they can see someone who has had this opportunity, they can aim for it themselves and be successful,” Ms Campbell said.

Ms Campbell said she didn’t refer to herself as a role model, instead someone who ensured their students had the best possible opportunities available to them and left school informed.

“It has not been so much about me as a person, but being able to provide as many opportunities for our students, staff and wider community to interact with those people who can show and inform about future pathways,” she said.

“I have been in a position to be able make this happen across a number of opportunities over the years. I am grateful that I have had the chance to be able to link many students with educators, scientists, politicians, sportspeople, and those with powerful lifestyle messages to positively impact young lives.”

Ms Campbell said she was fortunate to be able to work in a school that changed with the times, which made for an exciting and successful school journey.

“The school staff have been the key to the success of the creation of Champion Bay Senior High School as they are both creative, innovative and receptive to all that has been required and has happened,” she said.

“They have been the reason that the school has the profile it has today within our community and they have been willing to go the distance to achieve what they have.”

The winner will be announced at an International Women’s Day breakfast in Perth on March 8.