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Dr Rijken recognised at the 2017 John Laing Awards

25.10.17

Dr Paul Rijken, Principal of Cardijn College and Marcellin Technical College, has been officially recognised for his dedication to education and professional learning in the 2017 John Laing Awards for Professional Development, managed by Principals Australia Institute.

Dr Rijken’s involvement with Cardijn College spans three decades, beginning as a pioneer teacher of Physical Education and Mathematics when Cardijn College opened in 1984 to his appointment as Principal in 2005.

“As a relatively young school, I am proud of what we have achieved at Cardijn College and our Vocational/Trade campus Marcellin Tech,” Dr Rijken says. 

“We have created an environment where learning is stimulating and fun, where opportunities to explore, try and participate are endless and where ultimately, our students grow in faith, knowledge and in character,” he says.

Dr Rijken is honoured to receive this recognition for his deep commitment to deliver the very best Catholic education provision to young people and families in the Southern Vales.

“This award symbolises the fact that I am truly passionate about providing an environment where young people can develop their skills, and be inspired to share them with, not only our local community, but the rest of the world,” Dr Rijken says.

“Our staff are invested in preparing our young people for a future outside of this nurturing school environment and I feel deeply privileged to be able to lead a team of extraordinary teachers and support staff,’ he says.

Dr Rijken was presented with the John Laing Award at a ceremony held at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday 25 October 2017.

The John Laing Awards acknowledge principals in every state and territory who demonstrate outstanding leadership in providing professional learning in government, Catholic and independent schools. They celebrate the contribution principals make to support the professional learning and development of teachers and other school leaders.

Set up in 2004, the Awards honour John Laing, a former Tasmanian school principal who worked for PAI (the then Australian Principals Association Professional Development Council). He was the motivating force behind the innovative initiative in the early 1990s to bring principals together for national professional learning projects and programs to support their role as school leaders.