Mr Thomas named Leading Educator
Our Carramar Head of Health & Physical Education Mr Craig Thomas has been named on The Educator magazine’s annual Hot List, which recognises and celebrates professionals who lead the way in educational excellence and innovation.
Mr Thomas is as humble as they come and was quietly nominated by his peers who recognise the invaluable contribution he gives to the School, putting theory into practice, developing new programs and providing students with high quality educational experiences.
St Stephen’s School Principal Donella Beare said Mr Thomas was always on the look out for ways to do things better and to provide more opportunities for the students.
“He is a big believer in helping to shape students for the real world and his genuine and humble nature shines through in all his connections,” Mrs Beare said.
“I know Craig will hate being put in the spotlight but we are very excited he is being celebrated as a leader and innovator as he is a big asset to the School and its community.”
Mr Thomas has been a huge advocate for the Outdoor Education subject area at Carramar, which has grown exponentially in recent years. What started as a subject based purely on recreational skills has evolved into a popular selection that incorporates a range of hard skills that can translate into everyday life.
He was a driver behind getting a new climbing wall and abseil tower installed in the Carramar Campus Gym. These systems have seen students’ practical rope skills and confidence grow, along with their communication and problem-solving techniques, which they get to use in action through practical programs with the School’s younger Primary students.
“Craig has transformed Outdoor Education into a learning journey, and one students look forward to joining along their schooling,” Mrs Beare said.
“By bringing students along this journey of learning about Outdoor Education onsite, they can hone their skills, culminating in camps including a bush trek and abseiling Margaret River’s sea cliffs.”
Mr Thomas was also the brains behind creating the School’s Propel Leadership program. This voluntary program currently targets Year 11s who sign up for a series of workshops, guest speakers and project management tasks ahead of them creating and organising a whole campus event putting all of their new skills into practice and preparing them to lead the School in Year 12.
When Mr Thomas isn’t on campus he is also one of the Assistant Coaches for the Fremantle Dockers AFL Women’s Team.
“He balances the careers perfectly and uses the leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills across each space, which helps to engage with teams, understand different approaches and identify opportunities beyond the normal scope,” Mrs Beare said.
“Craig has also been a Tour Leader on several of the School’s International Service Learning tours to South Africa, taking a group of students to visit disadvantaged areas, spending time with children and communities and connecting through learning and experience.”
“I congratulate Craig on the award and look forward to seeing where his path leads.”