Beyond the classroom 19 Nov 2025 Principal Bree Brockenshire (left) with Team ‘Project Melatron’ and educator Michaela Sanderson ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2025). 15 Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) teams took the top spots nationally for their creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills that will truly ‘Make a Difference’ at STEM MAD Nationals (18 November). Competing against 110 other teams from across the nation, St Mary’s College, Maryborough students placed first in the secondary category for their invention ‘Project Melatron’. Assisi Catholic College, Upper Coomera’s invention ‘Apollo’ won the Secondary Andy Thomas Space Foundation Award for their brilliant use of GPS technologies. They’ve also earned a bursary to attend the Australian Space Forum in Adelaide in 2026. St Francis Xavier School, Runaway Bay, also won the Primary Catholic Social Teaching Overall Award for their invention ‘Safe Stride.’ Designed by Year 10 students Kashvi, Luka, and Archer, ‘Project Melatron’ is a two-part system that combines prevention and detection technologies and artificial intelligence to address melanoma cancer. Kashvi said their invention won because of its “prevention elements that help reduce UV exposure through monitoring and alerts, while the detection element uses advanced scanning and AI tools to identify early signs of melanoma”. “In Australia, melanoma remains one of the most serious and preventable cancers, claiming over 1400 lives each year,” she said. “Australia’s rural areas experience higher rates of skin cancer yet receive less research investment in affordable screening tools.” Luka said, “Our invention is a more effective and accessible health solution for Australians.” St Mary’s College, Maryborough Principal Bree Brockenshire said it was an incredible achievement and a testament to St Mary’s College’s ongoing commitment to excellence in STEM innovation. BCE Lead Education Advisor Rochelle Smith said, “Our students hard work and dedication to ‘Making a Difference’ through STEM is inspiring”. “We’re proud of the amazing ideas they are brought to life and the positive impact they are striving to create,” she said. About ‘Apollo’ Assisi Catholic College’s ‘Apollo’ invention monitors drivers for signs of sleepiness and medical emergencies. Inventors of Apollo Jett and Chase said, “This year, STEM MAD has been a fantastic opportunity provided by Assisi Catholic College and BCE”. “It has allowed us to use our STEM skills not for our own benefit, but to help protect those most vulnerable on the road,” they said. “We’ve gained so much from the experience, strengthening our teamwork, creativity, and innovation skills. “It’s been extremely exciting and rewarding to see the real value of using STEM to ‘Make a Difference.’” About ‘Safe Stride’ Students at St Francis Xavier School are harnessing hologram technology to make pedestrian crossings safer. Their invention projects a visual barrier whenever someone is crossing, ensuring pedestrians are protected while also making the crossing more visible to motorists. BCE would also like to congratulate the following participating teams in this year’s STEM MAD National event: SwimSafe Grid - St Kevin’s Primary, Benowa John Magnet - St Eugene College, Burpengary Family Press – St Joseph’s, Bardon Neuroglide - Assisi Catholic College, Upper Coomera SQUIBBS Quantum Elite - Marymount College, Burleigh Waters Nymphaea - St Ita’s Primary, Dutton Park Allergy Aware - Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs TECR – Turtle Eggs Conservation Robot - St Mary’s Primary, Laidley Natures Fortress - St Finbarr’s, Ashgrove and Our of the Sacred Heart, Waiben YAWO Ghost Nets - St Finbarr’s, Ashgrove and Our of the Sacred Heart, Waiben Cool Kai Kai - St Finbarr’s, Ashgrove and Our of the Sacred Heart, Waiben Plastic Prison - St Finbarr’s, Ashgrove and Our of the Sacred Heart, Waiben
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10 Jun 2026 St Columban’s College, Caboolture opening doors to diverse pathways beyond Year 12 Students at St Columban’s College, Caboolture are being empowered to pursue a wide range of po ... Tagged with Click through to St Columban’s College, Caboolture opening doors to diverse pathways beyond Year 12
10 Jun 2026 St Mary’s College, Ipswich preparing future health professionals through specialised Certificate programs Students at St Mary’s College, Ipswich are gaining a head start in one of Australia’s mo ... Tagged with Click through to St Mary’s College, Ipswich preparing future health professionals through specialised Certificate programs
9 Jun 2026 Joining one big family - Theresa Redgwell appointed as Holy Family School Principal Today (Tue 9 June), Theresa Redgwell becomes a permanent part of the Holy Family School, Indooroopil ... Tagged with Click through to Joining one big family - Theresa Redgwell appointed as Holy Family School Principal
5 Jun 2026 Stronger together – BCE’s Rugby 7s sparks connection and camaraderie across schools Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) Rugby 7s, a favourite on the school sporting calendar, is ... Tagged with Click through to Stronger together – BCE’s Rugby 7s sparks connection and camaraderie across schools
4 Jun 2026 A place to belong Discover how St Bernard’s Primary School supports inclusive education, partnering with familie ... Tagged with Click through to A place to belong
3 Jun 2026 From classrooms to communities - BCE students shaping Australia’s future They may only be in high school, but they’re already shaping conversations beyond the classroo ... Tagged with Click through to From classrooms to communities - BCE students shaping Australia’s future
2 Jun 2026 From student to teacher Niamh Allan’s BCE scholarship journey Learn how the BCE teaching scholarship helped Niamh Allan move from student to teacher, highlighting ... Tagged with Click through to From student to teacher Niamh Allan’s BCE scholarship journey
1 Jun 2026 Three new voices to champion First Nations student success and partnership at BCE Brisbane Catholic Education welcomes three new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to driv ... Tagged with Click through to Three new voices to champion First Nations student success and partnership at BCE
29 May 2026 Instructional coaching - translating research into everyday classroom practice Brisbane Catholic Education strengthens teaching and learning outcomes through instructional coachin ... Tagged with Click through to Instructional coaching - translating research into everyday classroom practice