Media releases
TOOWOOMBA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS EXCELLENCE AWARDS – AN EXCEPTIONAL YEAR
Excellence in Leadership sponsor, Bill Thomson (Australian Catholic Superannuation and Retirement Fund); finalist, Katrina Walton (Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby); award recipient, Chris Bartlett (Mater Dei Primary School); Dr Pat Coughlan (Executive Director: Toowoomba Catholic Schools)
On Wednesday, 21 October Toowoomba Catholic Schools presented its annual Excellence Awards. The awards recognise members of Toowoomba Catholic Schools whose outstanding contribution has assisted staff, students and their families to experience exemplary places of learning and academic success within a distinctly Catholic environment.
Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director: Catholic Schools said, “As is often the case with award programs, one high performing recipient is selected from a list of many worthy, high performing nominees. This year over 140 nominations from across the Diocese were received.
“In what has been a tumultuous year it is fitting that we had the opportunity, as the year draws to a close, to gather and honour the abundant talent, generosity and professionalism of staff that has been on display so publicly this year.”
The Excellence Awards provide Toowoomba Catholic Schools with the opportunity to identify and showcase those staff who model, demonstrate and live excellence in their roles all day, every day.
“No system can rise above the capacity of its staff. We thank all of our finalists and recognise the invaluable contribution they make to moving our system of schools from great to excellent,” said Dr Coughlan.
The awards covered ten categories across three areas and the final recipients are listed below.
Excellence in education support
Teaching and learning support
Anne Woodcroft-Brown – Mater Dei Primary School, Toowoomba
Administration, finance and facilities support
Belinda Hayward – St John’s School, Roma
Volunteer support in a school setting
Belinda Saal – St Stephen’s School, Pittsworth
Excellence in teaching and learning
Early career teacher (less than 3 years of teaching experience)
Rebecca Smith – St Patrick’s Primary School, Mitchell
Primary expert teacher
Amanda Thompson – St Joseph’s School, Stanthorpe
Secondary expert teacher
Amanda Wighton - St Joseph's College, Toowoomba
Professional Learning Community (PLC)
St Joseph’s School, Chinchilla
Excellence in leadership
Emerging leader
Eleighta Hannam - St Mary's College, Toowoomba
Middle leadership
Kerri-Ann Manthey – Holy Name Primary School, Toowoomba
School leadership
Chris Bartlett – Mater Dei Primary School, Toowoomba
…ends…