Renner takes top teacher

A roar of applause was heard from outside the final Hedland Senior High School assembly of 2017 as the school awarded its inaugural teacher of the year gong.

James Renner, a teacher in the school’s Trade Training Centre program, was presented the award at last Friday’s assembly, and said he was “chuffed” to receive it.

“I do what I do because I love it, but it’s still very nice to be recognised for the work I’ve put into the Trade Training Centre,” he said.

In the past year, Mr Renner has seen students of the trade program go from a school workshop class to an industry-class facility offering them a rigorous pre-apprenticeship program.

Principal Kelly Summers praised Mr Renner and said the students’ skills, knowledge and behaviour had improved dramatically under his stewardship.

“The relationships James has built with his students are exceptional,” she said.

“The students were resistant to James at first because he expects very high standards from them, but they’ve all grown to really respect and appreciate him.

“James has done some outstanding work in creating opportunities for students to use their trades skills to help the community.”

Mr Renner previously worked at Broome and Rossmoyne senior high schools for 18 years.

He was awarded an $800 flight voucher, donated by the Port Hedland International Airport.