Top Award for AISSA Chief Executive

The Association of Independent Schools of South Australia is thrilled to congratulate our CE, Anne Dunstan, for winning this year’s Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) South Australia Alby Jones Gold Medal Award.

The Award is the highest honour granted by the ACEL South Australian branch and is conferred to a “South Australian educator whose influence and contribution to the study and practice of educational leadership is most outstanding at the state level and whose significant contribution to education is recognisable at the national level.”

As Chief Executive of the AISSA, Anne represents South Australia’s Independent school sector. She leads the advocacy and support work the AISSA provides its member schools. Prior to this role Anne was a passionate teacher, senior leader and Principal in Independent Schools across Adelaide, Perth, and Launceston.

Anne’s pragmatic approach to leading self, leading others and leading systems has created impact across the education sector. Anne is much admired for her work supporting and mentoring the next generation of school leaders.

Anne has found great joy throughout her career in teaching. She strongly believes that it is through education that one can effect the greatest good for the greatest number.

The AISSA would also like to extend our congratulations to other Award recipients, pictured with Anne at last night’s ceremony; ACEL SA Fellowship Award winner Warren Symonds, ACEL SA Educational Leadership Medal winners Cezanne Green, Paul Belton and Yvette Swaalf, ACEL SA Media Award, Dr Deborah Netolicky and The Pip Field Emerging Leaders Award winner, Matthew Rotolo.

The Alby Jones Gold Medal Award is presented in honour of South Australian educator, Dr Albert Walter Jones AO (1912-2033). ‘Alby’ Jones was a man of great intellect and compassion. He believed in access, equity, and justice for all, especially those for whom circumstance made these difficult to attain.

An abiding influence nationally and internationally, Alby received many honours throughout his life including a Fulbright Scholarship, gold medals from the Australian College of Education and the Australian Council of Educational Leaders, the Mackie Medal and Fellowships from several professional bodies. He was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1979.