Robot innovations receive accolades

Three schools from Sydney’s south-west have been acknowledged for the work they are doing in the field of robotics.

Effie Niarchos, Angela Waesch and Shana Huzairan (St Johns Park High School); Julieanne Doai and Suada Bilali (Bankstown Girls High School); and Grant Sparke (Greystanes High School) all received mention by digital technology company EduTech Australia, centring on engaging students with robotics.

Principals Niarchos, Sparke and Bilali were recognised for their dedication to excellence in STEM education and social inclusion with the Leadership Excellence Award.

Niarchos has worked hard to provide opportunities for all students to engage in STEM-based learning by creating opportunities such as the after-school Robotics Club, which has also been adapted for students with disabilities.

Waesch and Huzairan jointly claimed the Women in Tech: Teacher of the Year Award alongside Doai.

“We are honoured and humbled to be receiving this award,” Waesch said.

“As educators, we value the importance of student-led learning opportunities that incorporate collaboration, communication, creative, critical thinking skills and digital competencies to serve the community.”

The efforts of the staff have paid off with Australian and international recognition for their students after humble beginnings.

Two St Johns Park high students went on to win the Virtual Simulator Division at the 2021 Universal Robotics Challenge.

For Bankstown Girls High’s Julieanne Doai — a two-time winner of STEM Teacher of the Year by EduTech — and Suada Bilali, it was a journey that started in 2019 with an autonomous robot called Susan that could carry fish and shoot rubber bands on command.

Image caption: Julieanne Doai (Bankstown Girls High School), Angela Waesch (St Johns Park High School), Shana Huzairan (St Johns Park High School) and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell.