Congratulations to ACHPER Fellowship recipient, Wendy Powson

We are very proud to announce the latest Fellow of ACHPER recipient, Wendy Powson. Wendy commenced her teaching career over 30 years ago and was a dedicated physical education teacher for more than 7 years before taking on leadership roles such as Head of Junior school, Senior Assistant Principal and ultimately Principal. As she advanced into leadership roles her strong focus and emphasis on physical education and student wellbeing was carried across the school.

Wendy made significant contributions to the development of preservice teachers through her active involvement with preservice placement of students at Lilydale High School. Wendy mentored her teachers in the support of preservice teachers and actively facilitated the development of the next generation of teachers. Wendy was regularly invited to present to university students around topics such as curriculum development and what to expect in your first year of teaching.

Under Wendy’s principalship, Lilydale High School has continued a history of strong sport and physical education. In addition to providing quality health and physical education, Wendy and her staff have a significant focus on increasing student engagement through sport and recreation. One example of this is the 2019 ACHPER Victoria Innovative Program Award winner – Athlete Development Program. Wendy has supported her staff to develop and implement this program for the past 5 years. It aims to ensure students at Lilydale High School can achieve their optimum academic potential as well as pursuing sporting excellence. The program has enabled Lilydale High School to retain students who may have otherwise left the school to seeking elite sports development elsewhere and has also demonstrated increased student engagement particularly at year 9 level.

Over the years, Wendy has contributed to ACHPERs areas of focus by presenting at ACHPER Victoria conferences and encouraging her staff to engage with ACHPER Victoria as presenters and resource developers. Wendy recognised not only the value her staff could bring to developing others but also the development they themselves experience through presenting and writing.

In 2010, Wendy was elected by ACHPER Victoria members to an “ordinary” board position. During her eight years as an ACHPER Victoria director, she provided sound advice and insight from the perspective of the teaching profession and the challenges facing both teachers and school leaders in the provision of high–quality health and physical education. During her term as an ACHPER Victoria director Wendy was the Chair of the Professional Learning Portfolio from 2012 – 2018. In this role Wendy worked collaboratively with other directors and staff to ensure the voice and needs of the teachers was central to the professional learning strategy being delivered by ACHPER Victoria.

Wendy continues to be a non–executive member of the Governance, Finance and Human Resources portfolio where her skills in financial management and people management assist ACHPER Victoria to maintain best practice governance. Wendy has been a regular presenter at ACHPER Victoria conferences focusing on building leadership skills and opportunities for other HPE teachers. She has also provided professional learning sessions focused at pre–service teachers providing them with first–hand knowledge and advice when embarking on their new careers.

Wendy is a leader by example – not merely by title. Her involvement with ACHPER Victoria and other bodies such as the Australian Federation for Principals demonstrates her drive to campaign for high standards of professional practice. ACHPER Victoria, our members and the broader teaching profession have benefited greatly from Wendy’s contributions, and it gives us great joy to see her efforts recognised in the awarding of the ACHPER Fellowship. Congratulations Wendy!

Need support to deliver quality health and physical education in Victoria? Don’t hesitate to contact us.