Excellence in education
Junn Kato enrolled at Caboolture SHS in 1983, completing Year 12 in 1987, when he was School Vice-Captain. He enjoyed Maths and Science, and represented the School in the University of Queensland Titration Competition, the Westpac Maths Competition and the Darling Downs Computing Competition. Junn completed his AMEB Grade 5, and played in the brass ensemble for the musical, West Side Story. Although school computers were in their infancy, Junn began a home computer users' group, meeting in the library once a month.
In 1990, Junn completed a Bachelor of Applied Science and began working in scientific research. This included the population genetics of koalas and native birds, and mapping genes in forestry species. In 1992, he completed his Graduate Diploma in Education at QUT and then taught at a number of different high schools. In 2000, Junn was a part of the team at the Brisbane School of Distance Education who introduced Blackboard. This became eLearn, a platform used statewide by Education Qld. Junn also helped to develop a number of programs at both State and school level to explore and build resilience in students, to promote team building, develop reading improvement strategies and early start university programs.
In 2006, Junn completed his Master of Education (Leadership) degree. He developed a special interest in Middle Schooling, speaking at a number of conferences run by the then Middle Years of Schooling Association, of which he is a Past President. He is currently working on his doctorate, exploring how care affects education pathways.
Junn has returned to Caboolture High School as Deputy Principal, after having served as Acting Principal at Monto and Moura, and Deputy Principal at Cavendish Road and Albany Creek State High Schools.