Click 'read more' below the relevant profile to read more about the Award Recipient 2022...
2022 Early Career Teacher (Primary)
Early Years Teacher & Team Leader (Romero)
Nazareth Early Childhood Centre
Aurianne Warley is an Early Years educator and team leader at Nazareth Catholic College – Early Childhood Centre, Findon. Aurianne actively promotes the Catholic Identity of both Nazareth Catholic College and Catholic Education South Australia. It was clearly evidenced to the panel that her teaching leads to improved educational outcomes. She develops holistic learning programs and intentionally places Catholic teachings at the forefront of her professional work with students, colleagues and families.
Aurianne gives witness to the Church’s mission through a child led inquiry pedagogy. Aurianne nurtures each person she meets, helping them to thrive through warm, genuine relationships and an exceptional educational program. Her referees identified Aurianne as an exceptional Early Career teacher who has made an outstanding impact on the lives of children, families, and colleagues and indeed the broader community of Catholic Education South Australia. She is an active member of the Nazareth community who has a strong focus on continuous improvement.
The evidence provided to the panel highlighted Aurianne’s work that clearly documented the students’ metacognitive processes. Evidenced through her leadership and teaching, families named how they shared a sense of confidence in understanding children’s learning and in addition gave validation to the benefits and importance of learning through play. Aurianne has used her initiative to embed relevant ICT practices into the classroom and subsequently supports the ongoing learning of her colleagues. She has developed instructional videos for her teaching team in her own time, offers to meet with and provides continuous professional support for her colleagues, again in her own time. Her outstanding skills were exhibited when she autonomously developed an entire website to showcase the Excellence Application to the Education Standards Board in which the rating was consequently awarded to Nazareth ELC for an Exceeding Application.
Aurianne Warley is a worthy recipient of the Catholic Education Award South Australia for Early Career Teacher in a pre-school, early learning centre and primary setting.
2022 Early Career Teacher (Secondary)
Middle Years Curriculum Enrichment Coordinator
Caritas College, Port Augusta
Alanah Rowe is currently the Middle Years Curriculum Enrichment Coordinator and Years 7-12 Educator at Caritas College, Port Augusta. Alanah is currently in her fifth year of teaching, having commenced at Caritas in 2018. Alanah consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching through her commitment to seeing all students achieve. This was evidenced by the engaging and accessible learning activities and assessment practices presented by her referees. Alanah carefully designs learning experiences around student outcomes, often outside of her class time, to provide extra support to ensure students succeed in all their subjects. Alanah is committed to collaboration with staff and networking outside of the school community. Alanah volunteered event management skills to plan and support official celebrations of the Caritas sesquicentenary including documenting personal stories from past and present members of the school community in her own time. Alanah’s referees spoke highly of her role in mentoring students to ensure the students’ needs are met.
Amongst many of her achievements, Alanah developed the SACE credited work experience program, led the establishment of the junior Josephites - a Reception to Year 4 leadership development program and she also initiated and developed the Leadership, Exploration and Discovery team for Years 6-12 students to ensure student voice is heard. Strong engagement in learning is the focus for all under Alanah’s leadership and care. Alanah builds on resources and activities each year and always ensures she collaborates with educators both at Caritas College and outside of her own school community to share best practice. Alanah is highly skilled at using data and evidence to inform best practice and future planning. Alanah was nominated by multiple staff at Caritas College.
In addition, the panel were privileged to read multiple letters and emails of current students and families who shared Alanah’s inclusiveness and ability to create safe learning environments where each individual student felt recognised and celebrated as unique learners.
Alanah Rowe is a worthy recipient of the Catholic Education Award South Australia for Early Career Teacher in a secondary or combined school setting.
2022 Experienced Teacher (Primary)
R-6 Director of Learning & Wellbeing
Caritas College, Port Augusta
Leigh O’Shaughnessy is a highly respected and much revered educator and member of the Caritas College, Port Augusta community. He has been a member of staff at the College for over 20 years. Leigh reflects the values and aspirations of Caritas College and Catholic Education South Australia in all that he does.
He is a contemporary leader of faith; a role model to staff and leads by example. Leigh provides exemplary and authentic pastoral care within the College community and models and reflects the Catholic ethos of the College in his interactions with others.
Leigh is the Leader of Teaching and Learning, adept at leading and supporting a culture of learning. He actively supports and leads other staff in developing their teaching and learning practices. He has provided excellent leadership in his role of Reception-Year 6 Director of Learning and Wellbeing. Through his current role and years of service and sound leadership he has successfully ensured that the College remains a safe and happy place for every student to learn and grow.
Leigh has excelled in the wellbeing component of his role, facilitating the College’s behavior education training and direction. He willingly mentors early career teachers and encourages them with his innovative teaching practices.
Leigh is willing to take risks with his own learning in the name of improvement and innovation. Leigh builds on past successes to ensure future success in all that he does. He is an effective communicator, with this particular strength displayed in all his interactions with students, staff, families and the broader community.
Leigh purposefully and meaningfully engages with all stakeholders to promote a safe, faith-filled and quality learning environment.
Leigh O’Shaughnessy is a worthy recipient of the Catholic Education Award South Australia for Experienced Teacher in pre-school, early learning centre or primary setting.
2022 Experienced Teacher (Secondary)
Teacher / HPE Coordinator / Year 12 Coordinator
Mount Carmel College, Rosewater
Rebecca Footner epitomises the Josephite charism of Mount Carmel College, Rosewater. She has been a vibrant member of the community for 19 years. Rebecca can be described as a passionate, dedicated, lively and experienced educator and leader, holding many positions of responsibilities including Health and Physical Education Coordinator and Year Level Coordinator.
Rebecca approaches both her teaching and leadership positions with an enthusiasm and conviction which is unmatched. She is committed, compassionate, kind, generous with her time and is someone whom students and staff can depend on.
Rebecca shines the brightest when she is promoting the College’s spirit. She does not hesitate to address a need of a student, colleague or member of the broader community. In supporting the Mount Carmel College students with their wellbeing, Rebecca has established many lunch time activities including Games Club and Chess Club and also offers a quiet retreat for students to safely access. House-based programs are also operational during lunch times, organised by the House Captains under the guidance of Rebecca. Rebecca ensures the twice weekly “Ignite Study Group” runs, resulting in students having the opportunity to strive for their personal excellence. Rebecca reinvented the Breakfast Club which has become the most frequented initiative at the school.
Rebecca has introduced an annual exchange with Penola Catholic College in Victoria, providing students an opportunity to connect with Josephite values and heritage while forming new friendships through sport and other activities.
Rebecca displays infinite patience and empathy for the students in her care. Students cherish her positivity and enthusiasm. Her students stay motivated and engaged. Rebecca is passionate about providing all students with the opportunity to achieve to their full potential.
Rebecca is the teacher whom students, families and colleagues respect and remember. She is a dedicated educator and cherished colleague who has made a significant contribution to Catholic education during her 19 years at Mount Carmel College.
Rebecca Footner is a worthy recipient of the Catholic Education Award South Australia for Experienced Teacher in a secondary or combined school setting.
2022 Volunteer Supporter
Volunteer Tutor
St Michael's College, Beverley / Henley Beach
St Michael’s College, Henley Beach has been wonderfully served for 20 years by the generous efforts of retired educator Ralph Broughton. Ralph has had many valuable life experiences; as a tradesman, working in TAFE holding both teaching and management positions, and volunteering to work with inmates within the prison system. As part of his service to St Michael’s College, Ralph has applied his experiences to support teachers and the young people in the College community. Ralph is well respected and has been described as patient, understanding, generous and humble. His support has been overwhelming in both its extent and diversity.
Ralph has worked with teachers and provided extra support for them in classes. He has tutored students out of class time, conducted holiday revision programs, run exam revision sessions, prepared teaching materials, assisted with marking and the development of curriculum and assessment plans. Ralph often works with students at risk to ensure that they meet minimum SACE requirements, while offering them academic and emotional support.
Ralph never hesitates to give his time. He is collegiate in his support to teachers, offering both practical and emotional support. He gives them the benefit of his decades of experience in education which is both benevolent and inspiring.
Ralph is a wonderful example of a life-long and life-wide learner. He has taught himself the content of many Year 12 subjects over the years and now attends all the Year 12 study periods to provide assistance to students. He makes himself available to students at lunch breaks and has developed course notes for several of SACE subjects to summarise the important concepts for students. Ralph himself has also learnt to use the graphics calculator and other mathematical software, writing user manuals to assist staff and students.
Ralph is a role model and inspiration for both teachers and students. His wisdom, insights and knowledge have contributed significantly to all at St Michael’s College. As one Year 12 student was overheard describing Ralph to another, “He looks like a Grandpa. He looks like he’d know nothing, but he knows everything!” Ralph has boundless energy and St Michael’s staff have stated that “when they grow up they want to be like Ralph”. The timing and nature of Ralph’s contribution has enriched the lives of students, and enhanced the effectiveness and satisfaction gained by teachers at St Michael’s College.
Ralph Broughton is a worthy recipient of the Catholic Education Award South Australia for Volunteer Supporter.
2022 Education Support
Grounds Manager
Sacred Heart College, Brighton
Paul Morgan has been employed at Sacred Heart College since 1986. Paul epitomises the Love of Work and Family Spirit which Marist educators are known for.
Paul’s work speaks for itself, with the grounds of the College consistently being in outstanding condition thanks to Paul’s dedication to his craft. He has far exceeded the expectations of his role and thousands of students have benefited from Paul’s service to the Sacred Heart College community.
Whilst Paul’s primary work is that of Grounds Manager, his contribution to the College extends far beyond that. Paul has regularly been involved with groups of students and other staff through their secondary years in a Marist program designed to form them in their spiritual development. As part of this program, Paul visited the Davenport Aboriginal community in Port Augusta and put his skills to use to landscape their community, in his own time and for the benefit of Sacred Heart students and the Davenport community. Paul’s work in this program has enhanced relationships between Sacred Heart College and the Davenport community, with many students attending the College as part of its Aboriginal Program.
Paul has volunteered to lead Immersion groups, again a formative experience for the students who visited Marist communities in Trichy, India. Paul’s attendance was entirely voluntary and the relationships he established with students, families and fellow Marist communities in India have been authentic and long-standing. A key focus of Paul’s leadership on Immersions was formation of the students in his care; clearly outside of the usual expectations of the role of a Grounds Manager, but one which Paul excelled at a number of students and colleagues benefited from.
Paul is also involved as Group Leader on Year 12 retreats, teaching meditation to the students and sharing his wisdom and faith journey with them. This is again borne out of authenticity and genuine selflessness in striving to help students experience life in abundance.
The maintenance of Sacred Heart College’s grounds is where Paul excels, working early mornings, late nights and weekends to ensure the ground are impeccable. The grounds are often described as enviable from the College’s many visitors.
One person commented about Paul that “Everything he is involved in, is just a better thing.”
Paul has been a member of the College’s community for 36 years. During this time, he has had a considerable positive impact on the lives of staff, students, parents and old scholars.
Proud of his grounds, he works tirelessly to ensure the College is always impeccable and well-presented.
Paul Morgan is a worthy recipient of the Catholic Education Award South Australia for Education Support.
2022 Innovative Program
Wellbeing Program
St Joseph’s School, Renmark
The Wellbeing Program at St Joseph’s School, Renmark provides support to children, families, and the wider community in managing and developing their spiritual wellbeing, mental and emotional health, physical wellbeing, and provides connections to community contacts to assist with hardship matters.
In line with the Catholic Education South Australia vision and values, the program has fostered the development of a school environment that is supportive and nurturing, promotes respect for the dignity of each person, enables inclusivity of those at the edges, and encourages sensitivity, justice and compassion.
During the past four years the program has been evolving and opening up a greater range of options to the benefit of all students, including particular structures, actions and approaches to assist those who require extra support, either during the school day or for families to assist with supporting their child at home.
The program was developed in an innovative, considered and cohesive manner, developing a broad range of supports and initiatives. Key aspects of the program are the strengthening of support through an enhanced Wellbeing Team, the creation of a Wellbeing Room, the introduction of a Therapy Dog, a Wellbeing Expo and a standalone Wellbeing Hub website. The commitment by the school in terms of staffing, resources and facilities and their connections in the wider community have enabled this multi-faceted program that is supporting students and families while at school and in the community.
The program has been sustained over a period of time and continues to evolve and has the capacity to flow through the Riverland and more broadly across Catholic education in South Australia.
The St Joseph’s School, Renmark Wellbeing Program is a worthy recipient of the Catholic Education Award South Australia for Innovative Program.
2022 Innovative Program
Project Recology and SEED Framework
Tenison Woods College, Mount Gambier
Tenison Woods College, Mount Gambier has a deep and long term commitment to sustainability. The College’s namesake, Father Julian Tenison Woods was a well-respected geologist, botanist, explorer and educator.
With Father Julian’s inspiration, the College has developed a Sustainability and Ecological Environment Education Development (SEED) Framework to integrate sustainability and ecological conversion, a role which the entire community contributes to ensure a sustainable future. The College believes that it is only through a connected community that sustainability can be successful, which is why Tenison Woods College is now partnering with local, national and international organisations to further the impact and ultimately, improve the world our young people will inherit.
Through the SEED Framework, the College addresses its environmental footprint and is on track for achieving zero waste by 2025 and zero reliance on the energy grid by 2030 through student led initiatives. The SEED Framework hopes to share and guide all school communities in implementing sustainability into their curriculum, culture and community, thus changing the paradigm of education across the globe.
Tenison Woods College has commenced deploying tangible solutions that include the development of a Project Recology Centre which is the vehicle for:
The College is engaging with the wider community to redesign what sustainability education will look like, including partnering with industry leaders such as Vestas, Tindo Solar, Vena Energy and Sonnen. Through these relationships, the College is preparing young people for the demands of tomorrow’s world and empowering them to pursue green career pathways.
The Tenison Woods College, Mount Gambier Project Recology and SEED Framework
is a worthy recipient of the Catholic Education Award South Australia for Innovative Program.
2022 Innovative Program
Arch D Radio and Podcasting
Arch D Radio and Podcasting has created an avenue for student voice, student formation, media skills development and sector-wide community building for the past 11 years. Founder James Meston sought to create an engagement tool that would highlight the authentic voice of students and young people in a medium that would be entertaining, inspirational and shareable to their peers.
The Arch D Radio’s original mission statement: “To provide a snapshot of a positive Catholic experience” remains central to its work. The audience has grown from engaging with eight schools with a regular audience of 14,000 to today’s audience that is well over 30,000 listeners. Several students who engaged with Arch D Radio in school have gone on to University studies in journalism and communication and have succeeded in roles at major radio stations.
When podcasting emerged as a popular medium, Arch D Radio was able to quickly diversify and developed a three-tier podcasting course based on Catholic Education South Australia’s Living Learning Leading Framework, to be delivered in both primary and secondary Catholic school settings. This innovative program introduced students from “no-assumed knowledge” through to producing, writing and announcing their own narrative podcasts.
James works closely with Teachers and Principals to deliver the courses to tie in with curriculum outcomes for specific subjects. Students who successfully complete each level of the course are awarded a podcasting badge which can be worn proudly as part of their school uniform. We believe this may be the first and only Catholic Education South Australia-wide school badge!
Arch D Radio and Podcasting has developed two programs with the intention for community development and across school integration. It hosts an annual conference that gathers student representatives from schools which sees them learn from podcasting and radio industry leaders and offers them the opportunity to meet like-minded students from CESA schools.
Arch D Radio and Podcasting has proven to be a valuable program benefiting the students and schools by providing new ways to help our young people develop agency, effective communication and leadership skills.
Arch D Radio and Podcasting is a worthy recipient of the Catholic Education Award South Australia for Innovative Program.
2022 Leadership / Lifelong Contribution
Catholic Education South Australia
Monica Conway recently retired as the Assistant Director: Catholic Identity at Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) after 44 years of exemplary leadership. Monica’s long and sustained contribution demonstrates her support of the vision, mission, values and purpose of CESA.
Monica’s leadership and lifelong contribution has extended beyond the criteria of this award. As an experienced leader, colleague and mentor, Monica invites others to develop their identity as contributors to Catholic education. Monica is inclusive, relational and works alongside others, bringing clarity and focus to complex matters.
As a class teacher, religious education teacher, religious education coordinator, deputy principal, coordinator religious education, principal consultant, assistant director religious identity and leading learning and Catholic Identity and Mission, her contributions have been an impressive witness to the mission of Catholic education. In the many roles she has engaged in over the years, Monica has forged life-giving relationships with students, colleagues, and parents.
Monica’s contribution and achievements include:
Referees explained that Monica has been a shining light in all regards and an absolutely deserving recipient of this award. Throughout her career Monica has made space to visit schools, actively listen to and supported Principals, Deputy Principals and APRIMs, shared knowledge and expertise wherever appropriate and has been a beacon for the promotion of a Catholic identity that is culturally appropriate.
Monica’s leadership in the Church spans her local parish, pastoral council, Catholic council for Integral Ecology, The Plenary Council and Diocesan Pastoral Council.
Monica Conway is a worthy recipient of the Catholic Education Award South Australia for Leadership / Lifelong Contribution.
2022 Leadership / Lifelong Contribution
Director of Learning
St Barbara's Parish School, Roxby Downs
Kylie Johnson is the current Director of Learning at St Barbara’s School, Roxby Downs. She is an inspiring and passionate teacher and leader, with a deep sense of purpose and of knowing oneself, guiding and staying on course to navigate the complexities of education in a highly transient and remote mining community.
Kylie’s leadership and lifelong contribution has extended beyond the criteria of this award. As an experienced teacher and leader, colleague and mentor Kylie is insistent in making a difference to the lives of teachers, students, and families in the outback. Children are at the centre of every decision, ensuring that every child and young person receives their learning entitlement, and every teacher has the opportunity to teach their best lesson each day.
As a class teacher, Inclusive Education Coordinator, Director of Learning and Acting Principal, her contributions have been an impressive witness to the mission of Catholic education. In the many roles she has engaged in over the years, Kylie has forged life-giving relationships with students, colleagues, and families.
Kylie’s contribution and achievements include:
Animated by her Catholic faith, Kylie has been a constant, unifying and providing stability to St Barbara’s during prosperous and challenging times all while leading to drive innovation and sustainable practice in a remote and transient context.
Kylie Johnson is a worthy recipient of the Catholic Education Award South Australia for Leadership / Lifelong Contribution.
2022 Leadership / Lifelong Contribution
Principal
Cardijn College, Noarlunga Downs
Dr Paul Rijken is Principal of Cardijn College, Noarlunga Downs. After 17 years of admirable leadership and service to the College, Paul retires at the end of Term 2, 2022. Paul’s long and sustained contribution demonstrates his support of the vision, mission, values and purpose of Catholic Education South Australia.
A Catholic college in the Southern Vales had long been the vision of the local parish and families and in 1984 this became a reality. With a small staff and 102 students Cardijn College commenced, and Paul was a pioneer Physical Education and Mathematics teacher, full of the excitement and anticipation that comes with new beginnings.
As a teacher, coordinator, Deputy Principal, Principal Consultant, SACCS Commissioner and Principal, his contributions have been an impressive witness to the mission of Catholic education. His dedication and service to children, young people, teachers, support staff and families has been a masterclass in how to engage and empower people and form meaningful connections with others, all while creating a culture of collegiality and a sense of family.
Paul’s contribution and achievements include:
Dr Paul Rijken is a worthy recipient of the Catholic Education Award South Australia for Leadership / Lifelong Contribution.
