Known as an exemplary teacher, an innovative, caring and compassionate leader and a highly sought-after expert in Boarding administration, Assistant Principal: Boarding at The Cathedral College (TCC), Rockhampton, Ron Armstrong, has been named a finalist in this year’s Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX Awards.

Mr Armstrong is one of five finalists in the Outstanding Contribution to School Community category of the awards which recognises teachers from all education sectors across Queensland.

TCC Principal Rob Alexander said Mr Armstrong always championed the college and advocated strongly for students, particularly boarders.

“During the global pandemic, Mr Armstrong’s leadership of his tireless team of boarding staff ensured TCC was one of the first in the state able to reopen to a full complement of students on site,” Mr Alexander said.

A key contributor to the early return was the spacious boarding facilities which Mr Armstrong planned and lobbied for six years ago, resulting in shared rooms for Years 7 and 8 students to support each other as they transitioned to boarding, and from Year 9 single rooms for each boarder, far exceeding usual standards of boarding facilities in the state.

“I believed our boarders deserved that, but it also encourages our kids to be comfortable. It has to be their second home,” Mr Armstrong said

Since taking on his current role in 2009, Mr Armstrong has increased TCC’s boarding numbers to full capacity of 190 with a waiting list.

His boarding expertise is often called upon, having been seconded to schools across Australia to audit their facilities and provide advice and guidance for improvement and growth. Mr Armstrong has also contributed to nationwide boarding standards and professional development.

Pre-pandemic, Mr Armstrong travelled extensively across the Diocese to meet families, building a trust and rapport with parents.

“Our boarding parents, like all parents, want to provide the best opportunities for their children and provide them with more than they ever had, as we all wish to do. It is parents going out into their communities and talking about the quality of education at TCC and the level of care that their child received in boarding that keeps other parents coming to us,” Mr Armstrong said.

TEACHX Award winners of each category will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday 29 October.