OCEAN Road Primary School principal Dean Finlay is a finalist in the WA Primary School Leader of the Year award.
Mr Finlay was initially nominated by school registrar Emily Carlyle in August this year.
She put in an application and he was named one of four finalists for the award in the state.
Ms Carlyle said one of the key reasons Mr Finlay made the final four was because he dramatically decreased the number of days students were suspended in the school.
Four years ago, students were suspended for a total of 288 days.
So far this year only five days have been missed by students due to suspension.
Mr Finlay said the reason for this was because he had brought in a consistent program which was easy to follow.
“The consistent approach and clear values are the reasons why we have fewer suspensions,” he said.
“Because I have been here for seven years we have been able to create that sense of community and belonging.”
He said it was an honour to be recognised.
“I think the ongoing commit that I have to do the best for the kids and the quality of teaching and learning is at the highest level,” he said.
“The kids have a lot of respect and tackle responsibility”
Mr Finlay has been principal for seven years and said he wanted to get rid of “unproductive behaviours” and give children the opportunity to learn.
The winner will be announced at breakfast on December 1 in Perth.
