Warwick SHS’s Jade Muli has a sharp focus – it’s on every student in her care and their futures.

That lens has now been turned on her as a finalist in the Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer (AIEO) of the Year Award in the 2018 WA Education Awards.

Jade says she’s in the right job at the right school.

“I just love helping the students make positive changes that can have a real effect on their futures,” she said.

A former Warwick student herself, Jade has a strong rapport with the young people who know ‘Aunty Jade’ will always be on hand to help when needed – and provide a well-intended nudge.

The school believes this has been a major reason why attendance rates of indigenous students have increased from 82 per cent in 2015 to almost 88 per cent in 2017.

In her nomination, Warwick describes Jade’s dedication and determination to make connections with students and families. It outlines her level of commitment in constantly texting and emailing students and parents/carers with reminders and information.

In her role, Jade mentors each Aboriginal Year 12 student to ensure they are on track to achieve the best possible results.

Increasingly, Jade has encouraged students to apply for enrichment programs that provide opportunities to consider alternate pathways, connect to others and encourage students to achieve their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), or at least a Certificate II in vocational education and training.

 “It’s a privilege to be a finalist in this award. I am fairly new in the job and there are so many other talented AIEOs.

“I love my job and I love being at Warwick!”