Students at Winmalee High School are encouraged to reach their maximum through processes that emphasise positive recognition of quality work and significant achievement. There are four levels of awards beginning with Bronze, Silver, then Gold and the highest level, Platinum. Teachers award merit certificates or ‘goldies’ to students at class or faculty level.
Five of these awards qualify a student for a school Bronze award, 25 for a Silver award, 50 for a Gold award and 100 for a Platinum award. A combination of merits and ‘goldies’ can be used with no more than two ‘goldies’ comprising any five awards. This might be five merits, four merits and one goldie, or three merits and two goldies.
Awards are provided by teachers in such areas that may include:
- special or exceptional effort in class
- improvement in class
- Improvement in attitude towards work
- outstanding effort in some aspect of school activity (e.g. debate, sport performance)
- outstanding effort in a class project
- a high place in a class test or exam
- work experience
- school service (e.g. library/canteen)
- community service
- representing the school
- best and fairest at sport
Year advisers are responsible for collecting information from students as they move up the levels of recognition. It is within the grasp of all students to achieve gold level during their period in high school. Names of students who have achieved gold and platinum levels are displayed in the school foyer.