LTWA thanks Ms Leanne Prior, Principal of Mount Barker Community College for supporting the schools languages program and for supplying these words and the photograph of Rhianna.
Rhianna is a trained Primary and French languages teacher – who actually teaches lots and lots of music, some drama, as well as French and Indonesian at Mount Barker Community College. She went from being asked: ‘I’ve seen you play in a band – you will be able to teach music, won’t you?’ to being an exemplary specialist teacher doing lots of extra-curricular activities and providing professional development for colleagues. Rhi has taught Indonesian at MBCC since 2021. She has educated our community by developing activities illustrating the importance of language learning, identifying transferable skills and clarifying how students learn more about English by studying another language. Rhi analysed the Indonesian Languages WA Curriculum, the KETAWA program, and researched to develop the most effective strategies for students to demonstrate curriculum outcomes.
Rhi also noted that the four feeder primary schools for our Year 7 cohort, each taught a different language. As a qualified French teacher, she lobbied to give students the opportunity to learn a new language from a teacher qualified to teach that language. She developed a French program where students learn in various ways, including research, writing, role-plays, basic vocabulary tests, games, online activities, and multimedia. She also incorporates the Indonesian program’s games and activities into French classes. To ensure lessons align with student needs, interests, and goals, she continually reflects and refines programs. MBCC students continue to provide positive feedback about their language learning experience, and a higher number of A and B grades are achieved in Year 7 than projected.
Rhi has been invited by SCSA to attend Curriculum Advisory meetings and provide feedback in relation to the current review for both the Languages and Music curriculums.
We think Rhi is an exceptional teacher and deserves to win Teacher of the Year for 2025. She does a whole lot more than the small bit written above, giving countless time out of hours for her students, the college and our local community. It was hard enough turning the 12 pages of information I had about her into 5 pages for the application for the award – it is almost impossible to encapsulate her passion for teaching and students in this short summary. Needless to say: She is an exceptional teacher and leader, innovative and dedicated and tireless in her willingness to offer her passion and energy to a range of activities which impact on students, families and colleagues. She does this consistently with the respect and energy that generates positive responses in others. A credit to the profession, what she does is a gift so many will carry through their lives.
Read about the WA Education Deoartment’s Teacher Of The Year Awards HERE.
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