Catholic Education Week 2021 - Official Launch and presentation of Spirit of Catholic Education Awards
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Catholic Education Week 2021 Official Launch and presentation of Spirit of Catholic Education Awards Tuesday 27 July 2021 Hanly Room, Francis Rush Centre 196 Charlotte St, Brisbane
Official Launch of
Welcome
to this celebration of
Catholic
Education
Week 2021
Catholic Education Week
in Queensland.
We come together today,
in the Archdiocese of
Brisbane, as representatives
of Catholic education
Official Welcome
communities across Miss Pam Betts
Queensland to celebrate Executive Director,
Brisbane Catholic Education
and spread the ‘good news’
Incl. video message from
about the distinctive mission Hon Alan Tudge MP
of Catholic education. Minister for Education and Youth
Launch Address
Hon Grace Grace MP
Minister for Education
Minister for Industrial Relations
Minister for Racing
Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 2021
Introduction Acknowledgement of Sponsors
Dr Lee-Anne Perry AM Dr Lee-Anne Perry AM
Executive Director, Queensland Catholic Education Commission Executive Director, Queensland Catholic Education Commission
Presented to
Presentation of Awards
Professor Jim Nyland
Hon Grace Grace MP
Associate Vice Chancellor, Australian Catholic University
Minster for Education
Minister for Industrial Relations
Minister for Racing Paul Lynch
National Relationship Manager,
Australian Catholic Superannuation & Retirement Fund
Award Recipients With special thanks to our ‘in kind’ sponsors
Eric Ellis Katie Mills Schoolzine
Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal Mater Dei Primary School,
and Torres Strait Islander Toowoomba
Cultural Studies Centre, Vote of Thanks
Inala
Fr John Boyd-Boland ofm Mrs Carmel Nash OAM
Padua College, Executive Director, Catholic School Parents Queensland
Ann Blakeney Kedron
St Gerard Majella Primary School,
Woree
Aunty Joan Hendriks
Reconciliation Award
Karl McKenzie
Eric Ellis
Ryan Catholic College,
Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal
Kirwan
and Torres Strait Islander
Cultural Studies Centre,
Natalie McCosker Inala
St Patrick’s Catholic
Primary School,
Emerald
2021 Spirit of Catholic Education Award Recipients
Ann has instigated two new programs
Eric Ellis Ann Blakeney at St Gerard Majella this past year that
bring in community members from
Grounds Person Prep Teacher / Leader of opposite ends of the age spectrum.
Engagement She introduced a monthly playgroup
Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Cultural St Gerard Majella Primary School, for 2-4-year-olds that enables families
Studies Centre, Inala Woree to become familiar with the school
environment before their children
(Archdiocese of Brisbane) (Diocese of Cairns) start school. Her second initiative was
the SGM Grandparents Club. Ann
recognised that there was a wealth of
knowledge among grandparents and
Eric Ellis’s official role is as a Ann Blakeney is the heart and soul implemented a program to harness
groundskeeper at Ngutana-Lui of St Gerard Majella Primary School, that knowledge and pass it on to our
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Woree, an exceptional role model and students in a variety of ways including
Cultural Centre, located in the a dynamic leader in the community. classroom visits, helping with craft, and
Brisbane suburb of Inala and operated She is currently successfully managing assisting in the tuckshop. Ann thinks
by Brisbane Catholic Education, but Islander Cultures into Liturgy, including a number of roles within the school outside the box and embraces all
his commitment to education goes through painting scripture and singing community including classroom associated with St Gerard Majella.
much further. and playing the didgeridoo. teacher, Acting APRE and Leader of
Engagement. Ann Blakeney is inspiring and admired
Eric shares his knowledge and wisdom Eric is currently developing a Ngutana- by many. She greets everyone by name
with students and staff as part of Lui Horticultural Aboriginal and Torres Ann works tirelessly to serve her and always has a warm smile and a kind
a community effort to achieve a Strait Islander Traineeship where he community through many initiatives word for all.
reconciled Australia. would mentor and supervise a BCE and events. She strives to bring the
student to get their certification. This St Gerard Majella family together
Eric is brave enough to create change.
has opened the possibility for other within the school and into the greater
In the last year Eric has been helping
opportunities for First Nation identified community. From the Garden Club to
coordinate and present at the office staff
traineeships which are currently being the Cairns Regional Council Festival
Cultural Awareness Days. During these
explored. Parade, Ann is always there. She works
days Eric presents on intergenerational
quietly and most often behind the
trauma, sharing his personal story of Selflessly, Eric has used his artwork to
scenes, never wanting attention drawn
the Stolen Generation which is very raise money for Kinchela Boys Home
to her but always ready with a smile,
emotionally draining. He presents these Aboriginal Corporation. This charity
advice and a listening ear.
sessions so that staff can connect and is close to his heart as his father and
understand cultural differences and uncles are survivors of the Stolen During a COVID-stricken 2020, Ann
intergenerational trauma. Generation who were at Kinchela. was a bright light of hope, supporting
family engagement throughout the
Eric also often presents Cultural All he does outside of his official role as
period of home learning and beyond.
Knowledge to students at the centre. groundskeeper speaks volumes about
During learning at home Ann engaged
He is often called out to schools to what Eric stands for. He works humbly
with other prep teachers and organised
share his knowledge and be involved and tirelessly behind the scenes to try
“driveway visits” to each prep student
in cultural programs. He also helps the to create equality. He never expects to
and their families. It is these ideas that
Catholic Identity team to respectfully be recognised or rewarded for all he
make Ann so unique and wonderful.
incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait does – but he deserves to be.
Karl McKenzie Natalie McCosker
Chair, Indigenous Education Assistant Principal Religious
Advisory Committee Education
Ryan Catholic College, Kirwan St Patrick’s Catholic Primary
School, Emerald
(Diocese of Townsville)
(Diocese of Rockhampton)
Karl is highly regarded for his The College has moved in to the Natalie displays outstanding integrity in
contribution to Catholic education restorative justice space and Karl leading her school community through
as a key agency of change within the makes himself available to be part strong faith-based relationships. She
Catholic Church. of this process. As an example, Karl leads St Patrick’s Catholic Primary
recently sat in on a restorative session School in all aspects of religious life
He is currently the Chair of the Ryan
with a recalcitrant student who had and is the face of evangelisation.
Catholic College Indigenous Education
engaged in a potentially racist activity. Her commitment to organising and Natalie gained inspiration from Laudato
Advisory Committee and plays a key
Karl’s calm demeanour, reference to presenting the sacramental program si’ which translated into St Patrick’s
leadership role and has done so for
the face of Christ in all, and skill set to the wider community in her own School Recycling Program. This
many years. He supports the spirituality
were well received. time is one small example of her encompasses all lessons recycling their
of the College from Indigenous and
leadership. She also inspires, trains, and paper and the Containers for Change
Catholic perspectives. Karl plays a Karl fosters leadership in both of the
encourages students in their calling program. The money raised from this
role in the wider Church context and Advisory Committee members but has
as altar servers as well as facilitating program contributes towards further
participates actively in the Ministerial played a role in ensuring the student
children’s liturgy. Her ability to attract support to her social justice initiatives.
Region of the Good Shepherd voice sits around the table and their
volunteers and train them in this
Worshipping Community and lives voice is heard. Karl works closely with Natalie has a strong commitment to
mission is wonderful.
the Gospel values of compassion and the College Indigenous Education contemporary social justice causes
respect for all. Team and in particular with the Natalie has been the driving force in as evidenced by her involvement as
Coordinator and male school officers. embedding the Making Jesus Real coordinator of Mini Vinnies and her
Karl also plays a leading role in the program throughout the school. She relationship with the Neighbourhood
Boys Yarning Circle. developed a whole school approach Centre. Natalie organises a range
to the teaching and learning of these of events and fundraisers which are
principles. To model best practice, always focused on raising money or
Natalie worked with all staff to impart awareness for those less fortunate.
a deeper understanding of the By far the most successful fundraiser
underlying intent and purpose of the Natalie conducted was the Daniel
program. Each week, Natalie delivers Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum
high quality lessons to all classes within which broke all previous records in
the school. This allows the teachers Australia.
to observe high quality instruction in
action and all students in the school Natalie is a deserving recipient of the
benefit from Natalie’s expertise. Spirit of Catholic Education Award. Her
dedication and commitment to living
the message of Jesus Christ make her
an invaluable member of the school
and parish community.
Katie Mills Fr John Boyd-Boland
Volunteer ofm
Mater Dei Primary School, College Chaplain
Toowoomba
Padua College, Kedron
(Diocese of Toowoomba)
As a school founded by the Good 100 meals each year. The Samaritan’s Fr John Boyd-Boland celebrated facilities. However, his work and impact
Samaritan sisters, Mater Dei has Table has become an integral part of his 80th birthday this year and this is not defined in terms of achievements
a strong Benedictine tradition, the culture of Mater Dei and many meal celebration highlights his incredible in buildings and other material
committed to community life, justice, recipients have expressed their sincere service to Padua College and the outcomes, but in the relationships that
hospitality, and compassionate service. and heartfelt gratitude. Franciscan Friars. Fr John is currently he has built with students, parents and
Katie Mills is one of the school’s the College Chaplain at Padua staff and his demonstration of what it
Katie’s dedication to listening with
parents and through her long- College Kedron but in his time in the means to live the Gospel. His presence
the ear of the heart and ensuring a
standing voluntary commitment to The community he has also served as a and his relationships with students and
compassionate response has built a
Samaritan’s Table, lives this philosophy. teacher and College Rector. During his staff shine a light on what it means to
sense of community that epitomises
time as Parish Priest at Little Flower live the College values of peace, joy,
The Samaritan’s Table provides home the story of the Good Samaritan.
Parish in Kedron, he continued to humility, simplicity and courtesy.
cooked meals to members of our
work in the Padua community, and
community who are experiencing times Fr John has committed over 30 years
then returned to Padua as Chaplain
of sadness, grief, hardship, or difficulty. to Catholic Education at Padua as
in 2007. Fr John celebrated his 50th
a Rector, Teacher, and Chaplain as
Katie has looked for and implemented year of ordination and service to the
well as over 50 years of service to the
innovative and new solutions to Franciscan Friars in 2020.
Franciscan Friars. Fr John Boyd-Boland
support the school to achieve its goals
Fr John’s commitment to the College a true servant leader and a worthy
of connecting both students and
is most exemplified in his commitment recipient of this award.
the school community to the Good
to the students and staff of Padua.
Samaritan charism by encouraging a
His presence in the community is a
culture of looking out for others. Katie
constant example of Franciscan values.
has developed a sensitive, discreet and
Fr John’s attendance at sporting
empathetic radar to somehow learn
events, camps, as a guest teacher in
of hardship in our community. She
religious education classrooms and at
also links the generosity and service
Friday lunchtime Mass is part of the
of volunteers, as well as the humble
Padua fabric. He provides theological,
gratitude of recipients, to the story of
pastoral, and spiritual support to
the Good Samaritan.
the College students and staff, and
Katie’s gentle manner when working in particular the College Religious
with others has fostered relationships Education and Formation Team.
that inspire action and growth.
Fr John’s achievements at Padua are
This has been demonstrated for over many and varied. In his time as Rector,
six years through her management of the College underwent significant
more than 50 volunteers providing over growth in student numbers and new
Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award
Eric also often presents Cultural
Eric Ellis Knowledge to students at the centre.
He is often called out to schools to
Grounds Person share his knowledge and be involved
Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal and in cultural programs. He also helps the
Torres Strait Islander Cultural Catholic Identity team to respectfully
Studies Centre, Inala incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Cultures into Liturgy, including
(Archdiocese of Brisbane) through painting scripture and singing
and playing the didgeridoo.
Eric is currently developing a Ngutana-
Eric is a dual award recipient of this Lui Horticultural Aboriginal and Torres
year’s Spirit of Catholic Education Strait Islander Traineeship where he
Award and the Aunty Joan Hendriks would mentor and supervise a BCE
Reconciliation Award. student to get their certification. This
has opened the possibility for other
Eric Ellis’s official role is as a opportunities for First Nation identified
groundskeeper at Ngutana-Lui traineeships which are currently being
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander explored.
Cultural Centre, located in the
Brisbane suburb of Inala and operated Selflessly, Eric has used his artwork to
by Brisbane Catholic Education, but raise money for Kinchela Boys Home
his commitment to education goes Aboriginal Corporation. This charity
much further. is close to his heart as his father and
uncles are survivors of the Stolen
Eric shares his knowledge and wisdom Generation who were at Kinchela.
with students and staff as part of
a community effort to achieve a All he does outside of his official role as
reconciled Australia. groundskeeper speaks volumes about
what Eric stands for. He works humbly
Eric is brave enough to create change. and tirelessly behind the scenes to try
In the last year Eric has been helping to create equality. He never expects to
coordinate and present at the office staff be recognised or rewarded for all he
Cultural Awareness Days. During these does – but he deserves to be. This award is named in honour of Aunty Joan Hendriks, a Ngugi elder of one of
days Eric presents on intergenerational the three groups of Quandamooka people in Moreton Island. A former Lourdes
trauma, sharing his personal story of Hill College student and elder in residence, Aunty Joan brought indigenous
the Stolen Generation which is very issues to the international stage, speaking at the United Nations and
emotionally draining. He presents these International Interfaith Forums. She was awarded an honorary Doctorate from
sessions so that staff can connect and the Australian Catholic University, where she was a sessional lecturer in both
understand cultural differences and the Diploma in Indigenous Education and the Bachelor of Primary Education
intergenerational trauma. (Indigenous Studies). She spent many years presenting workshops at primary
schools, secondary schools, churches, local community organisations, and
universities on the borderlands between Christianity and Aboriginal spirituality.
Catholic Education Week 2021 proudly sponsored by
Hosted by
#cewqld2021
catholiceducationweek.com.au
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