Stephen Harris, Principal of Northern Beaches Christian Schools (NSW) has been recognised for outstanding leadership, as the NSW finalist for Australian Secondary Principal of the Year, in the in the 2011 Awards for Outstanding Teaching and School Leadership.

The awards, presented by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), "recognise and celebrate the nation’s most talented, innovative and inspirational school teachers and leaders," according to AITSL Chair Tony Mackay.

Recognition as the NSW finalist is an outstanding recognition not only for Stephen, but for his staff team at NBCS, for their work in pioneering learning methods utilising 21st century educational tools. This was reflected in the official citation from the award ceremony:  

Stephen Harris provides inspirational leadership focussed on 21st Century teaching and learning; motivating and engaging students and teachers alike.

Under Stephen's leadership, Northern Beaches Christian School has become a leader in innovation for its applied use of technology, pioneering practice, creative learning spaces, and broad ranging professional development programs. It also boasts the Sydney Centre for Innovation in Learning, a research and innovation unit that provides support and encouragement for teachers to undertake ground-breaking approaches to curriculum delivery.

Knowledgeable and enthusiastic, Stephen encourages staff and students to 'look outside the box' and empowers them all to be the best they can be.

Stephen also makes a significant and valuable contribution to the education broader community.

The 2011 category winner was David Hamlett of Taroona High School, Tasmania.

CSA warmly congratulations all those recognised in the awards - a full list can be found on the AITSL site.