Ms Tempest beat finalists from across the state to take out the award, which recognises exceptional principals who have demonstrated leadership excellence in a Victorian government secondary school.
The awards ceremony was on Friday, October 27.
Ms Tempest was accompanied to the event by CSC assistant principal Dianne Ferguson as well as family members.
She is credited with assisting in re-engaging staff and students with the college and education in Cobram by introducing individual learning plans and blended curriculum with an applied learning approach, as well as expanding VET and a successful re-engagement program, creating trust and a common sense of purpose between the college and community.
Though Ms Tempest was a finalist, she was the first to admit she didn’t expect to win and is humbled by the fact she did.
“I have some big shoes to fill...I am proud and excited by the win, but it’s more than that,” she said.
“I hope the community – particularly our school community feel a sense of deep pride that their school principal has won such a prestigious award.”
Despite winning the award, Ms Tempest has no plans to slow down.
Along with leading CSC, Ms Tempest is also on the Committee of the Country Education Partnership group and a strong advocate for RURAL education, a state executive councillor of the Australian Principal’s Federation and Moira & Strathbogie Principal’s network chairperson.
“These activities, along with being the Principal at Cobram Secondary, provide an opportunity to advocate for schools and Principals on a state level, particularly with a rural focus,” Ms Tempest said.
“I’m keen that the needs of rural schools are known and understood, but also that rural schools and communities are great innovators...we need to ensure our schools remain strong and connected to their community.”
Above all though, Ms Tempest hopes her win will inspire her students to persevere in whatever field they want to pursue.
“I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth, none of my family had finished school – let alone attended university,” Ms Tempest said.
“I’ve broken the mould in my family and look how far I’ve come.
I’ve shown that if I can do it, anyone can.”
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