- High performing staff
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15 Aug 2026
The finalists in the 2026 Brisbane Catholic Education Excellence Awards came together for a special evening honouring their service, leadership and dedication to our faith-filled learning communities on Friday 14 August 2026.
Joining BCE leaders and representatives from our valued sponsors, the evening was a celebration of the outstanding contribution of staff from across BCE’s 146 schools, colleges and offices.
This year, an impressive 633 nominations were received from 116 schools and the Brisbane Catholic Education Office, reflecting the depth of talent, care and commitment shown by BCE staff every day. From these nominations, 127 individuals and 22 teams were selected as finalists, each recognised for the meaningful difference they make to students, colleagues, families and communities.
Held at Brisbane City Hall, the awards also showcased performances from talented BCE students from St Mary’s College Ipswich and Mt Maria College Petrie.
Taking out the Archbishop’s Award for Leadership, this year was San Damiano College Yarrabilba Principal Peter Edwards.
Peter has shaped San Damiano College with a distinctive Franciscan culture grounded in dignity and belonging. As foundation principal, his leadership approach integrates wellbeing with high performance. Staff describe Peter as a leader who “knows our stories and walks with us”, and one who creates an environment where teachers feel empowered to innovate, collaborate, and pursue excellence.
BCE Acting Executive Director Ross Tarlinton OAM said the awards were an opportunity to pause and recognise excellence as something lived through service, faith and care.
“Excellence is not simply found in achievement, innovation or success, though we rightly celebrate those things tonight,” Ross said.
“At its heart, excellence is found in faithful service, in the daily commitment to walk alongside others, to lead with humility, to teach with love, and to create places of learning where every person is known, valued and called to flourish.
“Each nomination tells a story. A story of someone who noticed a need and responded, someone who led with courage, strengthened Catholic identity, improved learning, supported wellbeing, built connection, served their community or helped others do their work more effectively.
“To every nominee and finalist, thank you for the way you live out our mission in practical, generous and deeply human ways. Your work strengthens our BCE community and helps create places where students, staff and families can flourish.”
The 2026 BCE Excellence Awards are supported by our valued sponsors and partners, whose generosity helps BCE recognise and celebrate the people who bring our mission to life each day.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors:
Australian Catholic University
NGS Super
Teachers Health
Archdiocesan Development Fund
Archdiocesan Property and Building Services
Catholic School Parents Qld
Maximus
RemServ
See below for the full list of 2026 BCE Excellence Awards winners and commendations below.
Main image caption: The winners and commendations for the Excellence in Learning and Teaching by a School Team award, Shining Stars Pre-Prep Program from St Anthony's Catholic Primary School, Maths on the Hill Squad from St Edward the Confessor Catholic Primary School and the Learning Enhancement Team from St Augustine's College, alongside BCE Acting Executive Director Ross Tarlinton, Archbishop Shane Mackinlay and award sponsor representative Michael Prarer from Archdiocesan Development Fund. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).
Image 2 caption: Cassandra Schultz from St Peter Claver College Riverview, winner of the Excellence as an Early Career Teacher in Secondary School. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).
Image 3 caption: BCE Excellence Awards hosted at Brisbane City Hall. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).
Image 4 caption: Soloist performer Safina from Mt Maria College, Petrie. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).
Image 5 caption: The winner and commendations for The Archbishop’s Award for Leadership, Principal Peter Edwards from San Damiano College, Principal Jane Egan from Emmaus College, and Principal Catherine Connors from St Finbarr’s School, alongside BCE Acting Executive Director Ross Tarlinton and Archbishop Shane Mackinlay.
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