We are excited to announce that nominations for the 2025 Courage Starts Here Awards are now open!
The Courage Starts Here Awards recognise and celebrate the remarkable individuals in our community for their contribution to Penrhos College. Through their unwavering determination, passion and drive, they have exemplified true courage in their pursuit to make a positive impact.
These awards are also testament to our bold vision of revolutionising girls’ education. They underpin our strategic direction and the pillars upon which it is built: Embrace, Create, Soar, Blaze and Impact.
NOMINAtiONS
This year, we're introducing a fresh approach to our nomination process. To foster community engagement and celebrate the contributions of others, we're now accepting nominations exclusively from third parties. While self-nominations were welcomed last year, we've updated our guidelines to encourage peers, colleagues and supporters to highlight the achievements of those making a difference.
If you know someone whose work deserves recognition, we invite you to nominate them and share their inspiring story.
Nominations close on Friday, 1 August 2025 at 5pm AWST
Award recipients will be announced on Wednesday, 17 September at the Founders' Day assembly.
Embrace
The Penrhos Embrace Award recognises a member of our Alumni for their ongoing relationship with the College, and their continued endeavour and commitment to contribute to school life. Their actions and behaviours help to nurture timeless connections.
They Love, Lead and Unite.
Eligibility – past student of Penrhos or Kobeelya
Selection Criteria – you will be asked to address each of the following selection criteria for the nominee:
- Briefly describe how the nominee has maintained a meaningful connection with the College since graduating
- Please provide at least one specific example of the nominee's active participation in College activities as an alumni
- Please provide examples of the nominee's positive impact or contribution to inspiring belonging in our students and/or acting as a role model to them
Create
The Penrhos Create Award recognises and celebrates current Penrhos staff who innovate and advance creative learning at Penrhos and/or progress industry partnerships with the College. The winner of this award will have championed creativity, collaboration and excellence through the initiation and provision of educational opportunities for our students.
They are Bold, Curious and Resourceful.
Eligibility – current Penrhos staff
Selection Criteria – you will be asked to address each of the following selection criteria for the nominee:
- Outline the initiative/s or innovations the nominee has led, or contributed to
- Describe any collaboration involved in the creative process of this initiative or activity
- Outline the impact this innovation or initiative has had on the College community – including other staff, students and parents
Soar
The Penrhos Soar Award celebrates a current Penrhos staff member who embodies the values and commitments of Penrhos College and who embraces the spirit of lifelong learning. The winner of this award epitomises this ethos through their dedication and commitment to their personal learning and growth as well as that of others.
They have shown Vision, Determination and Growth.
Eligibility – current Penrhos staff
Selection Criteria – you will be asked to address each of the following selection criteria for the nominee:
- Describe how the nominee has pursued professional or personal growth
- Provide examples of their support for the learning of others
- Explain how they have applied their learning to improve/enhance their impact on the College and its students
Blaze
The Blaze Award is named in honour of our brave Alumni and is awarded to a student who has shown courage, curiosity and passion by challenging convention for the greater good. She has been a positive changemaker.
She is a force for good, and has Loved, Led and United.
Eligibility – current Penrhos student
Selection Criteria – you will be asked to address each of the following selection criteria for the nominee:
- Share a story or example that illustrates the student's courage and advocacy
- Highlight the cause/s or issue/s they've supported and how they've influenced others
- Describe the nominee's impact in, or beyond Penrhos College
- Please provide examples of the nominee 'speaking up' and working to effect positive change
Impact
The Penrhos Impact Award recognises a current student, staff member or parent who has made a significant contribution to serve others within and beyond our community in-line with our values and commitments.
This award celebrates an individual who has actively engaged in initiatives to foster stronger ties between Penrhos College and the community at large, and who demonstrates a commitment towards making a positive difference beyond our school walls in the spirit of connection and service.
They are filled with Wonder, Joy and Optimism.
Eligibility – current Penrhos staff, student or parent
Selection Criteria – you will be asked to address each of the following selection criteria for the nominee:
- Describe the initiatives or activities the nominee is involved with that show a commitment to helping others?
- Outline the community or individuals impacted by the nominees efforts
- Describe the positive impact/benefit the actions of the nominee have had on those outside of the Penrhos community
2024 Award Winners
In 2024, we were honoured to announce the following trailblazers who embody the spirit of our College’s core pillars:
Embrace: Jill Clarke
Create: Gemma Brogden
Soar: Sandra Rowden
Blaze: Matilda Barrett
Impact: Grace Curtis
These outstanding winners have dedicated countless hours to enriching the Penrhos community, embodying the values we hold dear. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for their inspiring contributions!
A huge congratulations to Jill Clarke, President of the Old Kobeelyans’ Association, for being honoured with the inaugural Embrace Award!
Jill, a proud alumna of Kobeelya/Penrhos from the Class of 1977, has been a dedicated member of the Old Kobeelyans’ Association for decades. Over the past 25 years, including her roles as Treasurer and now President since 2020, Jill has tirelessly worked to preserve the rich history of Kobeelya and strengthen the bond between Penrhos and its alumni. Her unwavering commitment and passion are truly inspiring and deeply valued by our entire community.
The Embrace Award is presented to an alumni member who has shown exceptional dedication to maintaining a strong relationship with the College and has made significant contributions to school life. Jill’s remarkable efforts embody these ideals, nurturing connections that stand the test of time.
Congratulations, Jill! Your impact is immeasurable and your dedication, unparalleled.
Congratulations to Gemma Brogden for winning our inaugural Create Award!
As the Junior School Gifted and Talented Integrator, Gemma has made an extraordinary impact by offering a diverse array of academic opportunities for our students. From Da Vinci Decathlons and Future Problem-Solving competitions to Young Writers' Festivals, Philosophy classes from Year 2, and Reading Extension classes, Gemma continually goes above and beyond her regular duties to enrich our students' educational experiences.
Her exceptional commitment and innovative approach in stretching students' skills make her a remarkable role model for both students and staff. The Penrhos Create Award honours those who drive creative learning and advance industry partnerships, and Gemma's dedication truly exemplifies these values.
Congratulations again, Gemma! Your creativity and passion are truly inspiring.
Congratulations to Sandra Rowden for receiving our inaugural Soar Award!
Sandra, a standout Mathematics teacher in our Secondary School, exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning and dedication. Her commitment to professional growth is unwavering—Sandra actively seeks out and engages in professional development opportunities, always eager to explore new teaching methods.
She listens intently to her students, even when they solve problems in unique ways, and is always ready to adapt her approach to better support their learning.
Sandra's remarkable ability to learn from her students while guiding them through complex problems highlights her dedication to both her own growth and the growth of those around her. The Penrhos Soar Award honours individuals who truly embody the values of our College, embracing continuous learning and personal development.
Congratulations, Sandra! Your dedication and openness to personal learning and growth inspire us all.
Congratulations to Year 11 student Matilda Barrett for winning our inaugural Blaze Award!
Matilda has shown extraordinary dedication to supporting the WA Breast Cancer Care organisation. Her commitment shines through in her numerous volunteer efforts and her impressive organisation of fundraising events from home and around her neighbourhood.
Matilda's passion has turned Purple Bra Day into a meaningful annual event at Penrhos, raising both awareness and vital funds. Her tireless efforts and inspiring drive demonstrate how one person's dedication can spark a ripple effect of hope and support for those affected by breast cancer.
The Penrhos Blaze Award, named in honour of our courageous Alumni, celebrates a student who embodies courage, curiosity and a willingness to challenge the norm for the greater good. Matilda's impact as a changemaker truly embodies these qualities.
Congratulations, Matilda! Your commitment and passion are truly inspiring.
Congratulations to Grace Curtis for receiving our inaugural Impact Award!
As a dedicated Pre-Primary teacher, Grace has gone above and beyond in championing the Penrhos Reconciliation Action Plan. Her deep passion for cultural awareness and sensitivity drives her to make a meaningful difference in our community.
Grace is committed to ensuring our students understand the profound impact of colonisation on Aboriginal people and the importance of cultural reconciliation. Her efforts to integrate this crucial knowledge into our curriculum and beyond have a lasting impact on both our students and the wider community.
The Penrhos Impact Award honours individuals who make significant contributions to serve others, aligning with our values and commitments. Grace’s proactive engagement in fostering stronger ties between Penrhos College and the community exemplifies the spirit of connection and service.
Congratulations, Grace! Your commitment and influence are truly remarkable.
