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We are thrilled to announce that Michelle Chomiak, our outstanding Digital Tech and Computer Science Teacher and alumna from the Class of 1991, has been awarded the Fish Nankivell Secondary School Teacher of the Year - Non-Government category at the 2024 Australian Education Awards! This accolade, celebrated at a gala event on Friday night, recognises Michelle's exceptional contributions to our school and the broader computer science education community in Perth and Australia, as well as her unwavering passion for STEM and digital technology education.

Michelle's commitment to advancing technology and STEM fields, especially encouraging more girls and women to participate, has made a significant impact on our educational community. This dedication to student success, enhanced by her recent Master of Education studies, has not only earned her this award but also a spot on the list of the Most Influential Educators of 2024, highlighting those who are redefining educational excellence across the nation.

At ³ÉÈ˶ÌƬ's, Michelle teaches Digital Technologies and Computer Science to students from Year 6 to Year 12. She plays a pivotal role in supporting the Head of Department by organising activities, events, and excursions, such as visits to local tertiary institutions, and assisting with the Microsoft Imagine Cup for Middle Schoolers, where one of our teams reached the national finals and placed second, and the PeCAN+ CTF, where our team recently took out third place.

Michelle’s accolades include the ECAWA Digital Technologies Teacher of the Year in 2019, the Women in Technology WA (WITWA) Shining Star for STEM/Digital Education in 2022, and the Australian Computer Society (WA) 1962 Educators Award in 2023 for significant contributions to ICT education in WA. She was also awarded two Peter Foss Scholarships from our School in 2021 and 2022 towards her Master of Education studies. Her innovative website, "MrsChom.com," provides high-quality resources for tech educators across Australia, supporting less experienced teachers in delivering the Digital Technologies curriculum.

Beyond the classroom, Michelle's commitment to nurturing a passion for technology is further exemplified by her role as Senior Mentor at the Girls Programming Network and her involvement in initiatives that bridge gender gaps and promote diversity in tech fields. Over the past seven years, her dedication and leadership have propelled be on the organising committee, as well as Room Leader at GPN, where she now supports over 200 students annually and offers invaluable insights into tech and teaching careers.

Her commitment to professional growth is evident in her participation in national conferences and collaborations with international educators. She is a member of two national boards with the Australian Computer Society - the ACS National ICT Educators Committee and the National Membership Advisory Board, as well as local committees such as the Curriculum Advisory Committee for Technologies with SCSA, and the Educational Computing Association WA. Michelle's innovative initiatives, such as developing "Women in Computing" posters, have had a nationwide impact, inspiring students across Australia. These resources have been presented at high-profile events like the Australian Primary Principals Association, amplifying their reach.

Michelle credits her success at school to the support and mentorship of her Head of Department, Rob Blair.

Congratulations to Michelle on this well-deserved recognition! Her passion for advancing education standards and positively impacting the lives of students shines through in the exceptional service you provide every day.

You can read more about The Educator Awards and winners .