Twelve outstanding South Australian educators, including a botanist with a passion for orchids, a wizard mathematician, and a champion of the Arts in regional SA were recognised at the annual Catholic Education Awards ceremony on Thursday May 16. In addition, the teams of two innovative school programs and a dedicated school volunteer were presented with awards for their contributions to Catholic education.
The recipients of the awards share many of the same traits – going above and beyond in their roles, showing commitment to Catholic identity and the teachings of the Catholic Church and being beacons for equity and equality.
Now in its third year the Awards – which are celebrated as part of Catholic Education Week (May 13 – 19 2024) - recognise outstanding achievements and contributions by staff and volunteers across South Australia’s 101 Catholic schools.
Some of those honoured in the awards include:
A new category was introduced in 2024 to recognise the outstanding work of the Religious Educators within Catholic schools.
Two recipients received this inaugural award: Mirella Romeo, from Nazareth Catholic College and Lucina Loro Parham from St Mary’s College.
Two innovative school programs were also recognised:
The nominees were across eleven award categories including:
The award ceremony was held at Hilton Adelaide on May 16, 2024, attended by The Honourable Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training and Skills; Dr Neil McGoran, Executive Director for Catholic Education SA; and John Neate, Chair of the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools (SACCS), following a Mass at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Wakefield Street led by Archbishop Patrick O’Regan.
Jess Adamson, a well-known face on South Australian television screens, was Host for the evening and the event was proudly sponsored by NGS Super, Switch Education, The Southern Cross, Secondary Schools Deputy Principals & Senior Leaders Association (DEPSLA), SA Catholic Primary Principals Association (SACPPA) and Association of Principals of Catholic Secondary Schools (APCSS).
Commenting on the Awards, Dr Neil McGoran, Executive Director, CESA said:
“Across eleven categories the standard of entries this year was exceedingly high; a testament to the outstanding educators we are privileged to have in South Australia. The impact that these educators and volunteers have on their school communities is huge. They are going above and beyond in the work that they do, and it is important that we recognise and celebrate their achievements. They are instilling so many important values in our students.
“Knowing that these students will graduate, as the best versions of themselves, thanks to the support of these dedicated educators, gives up hope for a bright future. Catholic Education South Australia prides itself in Raising Hearts and Minds and these educators and volunteers embody this in the work that they do.”
For the complete list with photos and individual citations, visit the Awards Recipients page.