Presented at AGM  October 2025

• It is with great pride that I present the President’s Report for 2025 on behalf of the Association for Adolescent Success Inc. This year has been one of renewed connection, collaboration, and professional growth across our Middle Years’ community. Our work has continued to focus on strengthening the visibility and impact of quality middle years education through professional learning, advocacy, research, and the recognition of exemplary practice.

  Across 2025, the Association has continued to build strong partnerships with schools, educators, and allied professionals, both nationally and internationally, to ensure that the needs of young adolescents remain at the forefront of educational discourse and policy. Guided by our strategic priorities, Adolescent Success remains deeply committed to empowering educators and celebrating the innovation, care, and dedication that characterise the middle years.

  Middle Years School Diagnostic and Improvement Tool and Middle Years Schools of Excellence (MYSOE)

  In 2025, Adolescent Success continued to advance its commitment to recognising and supporting exemplary practice through the Middle Years School Diagnostic and Improvement Tool and the Middle Years Schools of Excellence program.

  The Middle Years Schools of Excellence initiative endorses schools that embody the principles outlined in the Association’s Position Paper and reflect the seminal work of Professors Donna Pendergast, Katherine Main, and Nan Bahr in Teaching Middle Years: Rethinking Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Assessment. This program celebrates schools that demonstrate sustained excellence in middle years philosophy, curriculum design, and pastoral care, underpinned by a deep understanding of adolescent development.

  Throughout 2025, the Association continued to support previously endorsed schools and welcomed new applicants seeking to benchmark and refine their middle years practices through the diagnostic and improvement framework. These initiatives collectively strengthen the national and international recognition of quality middle years education and reinforce Adolescent Success’s role as the leading voice for middle years advocacy and improvement.

  2024 – 2026 Middle Years Schools of Excellence

  Hillcrest Christian College - Reedy Park (QLD)

  Padua College – Kedron (QLD)

  Redlands College – Wellington Point (QLD)

  St Francis Catholic College – Edmondson Park (NSW)

  2025 – 2027 Middle Years Schools of Excellence

  St Lukes Catholic College – Marsden Park (NSW)

  Santa Sophia Catholic College – Gables (NSW)

  Several Middle Years Schools of Excellence generously shared insights into the programs, structures, and processes that underpin their continued recognition. Their reflections highlighted innovative approaches to student engagement, curriculum design, and wellbeing that exemplify best practice in middle years education. These contributions were also featured in recent editions of the Australian Journal of Middle Schooling, further enriching the professional dialogue and showcasing excellence across our network of accredited schools. To read the articles, please click here

  Applications for schools to become Middle Years Schools of Excellence (MYSOE) for 2026-2028 will open in November. Debra Evans' leadership in working with these schools is highly valued and appreciated.
  
  Elevate Middle Years Success Webinar Series 2025
  In 2025, the Elevate Middle Years Success Webinar Series continued to connect educators and leaders across Australia and internationally, fostering collaboration and professional learning focused on excellence in middle years education. The Association acknowledges the outstanding moderation of Anj Dillon, whose expertise and professionalism continue to guide the series, and expresses sincere appreciation to each presenter for their valuable insights and contributions.
  
  The series has further strengthened Adolescent Success’s global network of educators, enriching professional dialogue and sharing of practice. The Association extends its gratitude to all participants for their ongoing engagement and support, which ensure the continued success and relevance of this important professional learning initiative.

• ·        Relationships, Experience and Outcomes: The Character of Learning in the Middle – Professor Phil Cummins
• ·        The Diagnostic and School Improvement Tool, and MYSOE Acknowledgement Program – Debra Evans
• ·        Framing Futures in the Middle Years: Career Education as a systemic practice, not just a subject! – Marian Wright
• ·        High Impact Strategies for Successful Middle Schools: Theory into Practice – Stepanie Simpson
• ·        Self-regulated Learning in the Middle Yeas: Associate Professor Katherine Main
• ·        Effective Transition in the Middle Years – What the Research Tells Us – Professor Donna Pendergast

Adolescent Success continues to welcome nominations for future webinar topics from colleagues, agency professionals, or individuals for the 2026 series. Registering interest can be done via email to Michelle Dopson, our Executive Administrator at executiveofficer@adolescentsuccess.org.au.

Communication

Other communications through our monthly ENews – Succeed - as well as through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and continue to inform and grow our membership and community.

Membership Update

In 2025, membership experienced steady growth, reflecting the continued relevance and value of Adolescent Success within the educational landscape. Strengthening membership, with a particular emphasis on expanding Institutional and Pre-Service Teacher memberships, remains a key strategic focus, as professional connection and collaboration are central to the Association’s mission of supporting excellence in middle years education. These networks not only enhance professional learning and shared practice but also foster a collective voice that advocates for the needs and aspirations of young adolescents.

Ambassadors

We also acknowledge and thank our ambassadors, Donna Pendergast, Andrew Fuller and Stephanie Simspon. Their on-going advocacy, support and expertise are appreciated.

EVENTS

Brisbane and Gold Coast Study Tour

The 2025 year commenced with great energy through the Brisbane and Gold Coast Study Tour, our flagship Opening Event. The program was an outstanding success, bringing together educators and leaders from across Australia to explore exemplary middle years practice in a range of innovative school settings. Participants engaged in rich professional dialogue, shared ideas, and strengthened connections that continue to shape practice and collaboration within our national network.

National Education Summit

Deb Evans, Gerard Alford, and Oliver Cawse represented the Association with distinction, meeting with educators from across Australia to promote the work of Adolescent Success and advocate for quality middle years education. Their engagement reinforced the Association’s commitment to supporting schools, teachers, and leaders in delivering meaningful learning experiences for young adolescent learners.

As the Association concludes another successful year, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Executive and Management Committee, our ambassadors, presenters, partners, and most importantly, our members. Your ongoing commitment and belief in the importance of middle years education continue to strengthen our shared vision and collective impact.

Together, we have advanced our mission to ensure every young adolescent experiences learning that is engaging, relevant, and responsive to their unique stage of development. As we look ahead to 2026, Adolescent Success remains steadfast in its purpose, to connect, support, and inspire those who work with young people during this vital stage of their learning journey.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the middle years.

COMMITTEE

I thank the following Employee and Committee member for their expertise and advocacy over their years with Adolescent Success.

Jess Serra – Administrative Officer

Tim Smith – Journal Editor

I also acknowledge outgoing General Committee Members whose contribution and commitment to Adolescent Success has been valued:

Leah Fineran; Paul Green; Kira Lough; James Marsman; Rachel McKay; Jeremy Otto; Angela White; Darren Rackemann; Maree Hammer

Executive and Management Committee Appointments:

The Association acknowledges the outstanding service of Executive Administrator, Jess Serra, whose professionalism, administrative acumen, and leadership of Adolescent Success have been invaluable. Her dedication and commitment to the Association have left a lasting impact and will be greatly missed. Jess has continued to offer generous support throughout the handover period, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of operations.

Executive Administrator

The Association welcomed Michelle Dopson to the role of Executive Administrator. She brought with her a wealth of experience, business acumen, and a deep understanding of both the industry and education sectors. Her expertise has been instrumental in supporting the strategic and operational functions of Adolescent Success, strengthening connections across the membership, and enhancing the overall efficiency and impact of the Association’s work.

Professional Learning and Events Coordinator

The Association looks forward to continued growth and development under the guidance of Oliver. His experience and thoughtful approach help to strengthen the coordination of professional learning opportunities and events, ensuring they remain relevant and supportive to our members and broader middle years community.

As the Association concludes another successful year, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Executive and Management Committee, our ambassadors, presenters, partners, and most importantly, our members. Your ongoing commitment and belief in the importance of middle years education continue to strengthen our shared vision and collective impact.

As we look ahead to 2026, Adolescent Success remains steadfast in its purpose, to connect, support, and inspire those who work with young people during this vital stage of their learning journey.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the middle years.

Thank you

Kia Sheidow - President