Bomaderry High School Principal Ian Morris has been named by The Educator as one of the 2025 Hot List recipients.

The Educator Hot List recognises just 50 leaders across Australia who are shaping the future of education through innovation, impact and outstanding leadership. It celebrates principals and educators whose work over the past year has made a measurable difference for students, staff and their wider communities.

Morris said it was an honour to be recognised, but emphasised the award reflects the combined efforts of staff, students and families.

“It means a lot to me personally, but more importantly it means a lot to our school community. Principals don't get those awards for doing things alone - it’s really about our whole school community,” he said.

Morris has been Principal of Bomaderry High School since 2017. In 2020 the State Government announced a major rebuild - but as Morris noted, that was only the start of an incredibly challenging period for the region.

“We’re still going through that rebuilding process now. It was announced in 2020, so we had bushfires, floods and COVID-19 - significant changes all in the matter of months for our school community, but obviously the world in general.”

The rebuild has brought modern facilities, specialist learning spaces and improved accessibility across the school.

“We have fully fitted-out metalwork, woodwork and kitchen facilities. We have laser cutters, 3D printers, resin printers. We have augmented reality welders — where students can look at what would appear to be a real-world welding situation with different programs built into it,” Morris said.

“It helps them gain the confidence and skills so that when they go into the proper welding bay, they feel prepared. I really don’t understand the technology,” he laughed. “But my staff do. They're amazing.”

The school now has lifts in each block, and a purpose-built support unit is underway, including classrooms with their own toilets, showers and small learning spaces. Morris says the facilities finally match the quality of the staff and students.

“About $41.25 million has been spent on the school, which I think is thoroughly deserved. It’s a 58-year-old school. And we also have top-quality staff - 10 or so HSC markers. What I always say is that the facilities are finally catching up to the expertise that’s already here.”

After more than three decades in education, Morris says the biggest changes he’s seen relate to the rise of social media and the growing connection between schools and families.

“The advent of the internet and social media has had a huge impact on kids’ ability to remain focused. The accessibility of information - whether it’s factual or not - is so quick and easy. So it’s been about helping students become really good digital citizens,” he said.

“When I went to school, you hopped on a bus, went to school and came home - there wasn’t much interaction. Now parents want to be involved, and we want to support that. It’s amazing to have that level of connection.”

Morris said Bomaderry High School places equal importance on wellbeing and academic success.

“You can't learn well if your needs aren’t met,” he said. “So we provide a breakfast club for any student who needs it - even if it’s their second breakfast. They’re well looked after.”

The school also has a youth worker, chaplain, Aboriginal Education Officer, SLSOs, year advisors and a school nurse.

“Those key personnel are fantastic. We have settled kids coming into school because we know they’re supported - and then they can focus on learning. We’re working with the kids, not doing things to them.”

“We have strong values and really high expectations of every student. It’s a balancing act - but an important one.”

Reflecting on his 30-plus years in education, Morris credits his own teachers and mentors for shaping his path.

“It started with me having great teachers who took an interest in me. Education has given me everything in my life. The hunger’s still there. Working with inspirational teachers keeps me coming back every day.”

Morris also revealed that Bomaderry High has just been named a Five Star Innovative School for 2025 - adding another accolade to what is already shaping up to be a standout year.

“We’ve been recognised this year for young, inspirational up-and-coming leaders, both teaching and non-teaching. We’ve had public education awards for outstanding HSC results - four Band 6s in engineering studies last year - and our careers and employment skills project also received an award.”

“Again, I’m not running all those things. These are amazing staff doing incredible work.”

Despite the accolades, Morris remains focused on the school’s long-term vision.

“We’re striving for excellence. I’m just fortunate to be the leader of it.”