At Trinity College Beenleigh, Belinda Vlasenko has found a way to blend creativity with education – turning her passion for food and design into a learning model that’s delivering results.
Ms Vlasenko’s recipe for innovation this year won her a Department Head of the Year excellence award at the Australian Education Awards.
Specifically, she was recognised for her leadership in reshaping the school’s design and hospitality programs, with her curriculum overhaul leading to a 300% increase in Year 11 Certificate II Hospitality enrolments.
As the school’s Head of Design Technologies: Food and Materials (DTFM), Hospitality and Tourism, and Culture, Ms Vlasenko has focused on connecting learning to real-world experiences, helping students gain practical skills while taking ownership of their education.
“Teaching isn’t just about content, it’s about connection,” she said.
“I loved the idea that you could spend your life sharing your passion with young people and helping them discover their own.
“I became a teacher because I wanted to reach the students who felt disconnected, to help them find success and joy in learning, just as I had.”
One of her standout initiatives is the Mane St Café, a student-run operation that gives young people experience in customer service, teamwork and event planning.
Acting vocational education and training leader Kristina Carr, who nominated Ms Vlasenko for the award, said her leadership has made a lasting impact.
“Belinda’s approach to professional development is equally transformative,” Ms Carr said.
“She fosters teacher self-efficacy through personalised pathways, collaborative planning, and mastery-based teaching models.
“Her leadership style, which is curious, creative, and inclusive in nature, empowers staff to innovate and take risks, resulting in improved teaching standards and student outcomes.”
