Brisbane Catholic Education recognises exceptional staff at Excellence Awards

26/08/2022

​​​Finalist Catherine Galvin, BCE Executive Director Dr Sally Towns, Finalist Claire McLaren, His Grace Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Winner of The Archbishop's Award for Leadership Deidre Young, and finalist Tammy McCartney.

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) recognised the extraordinary contribution of staff to teach, challenge and transform students' lives at the annual BCE Excellence Awards 2022 on (Thursday 25 August). 

Winners, nominees and special guests gathered at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre to celebrate those selected from 273 nominations across 10 award categories. 

His Grace Archbishop Mark Coleridge and BCE Executive Director Dr Sally Towns recognised the excellent ways in which the nominees worked to support and nurture the growth of students in Catholic schools in teaching, leading, mentoring, and developing others. 

Dr Towns said it was “extraordinary’’ to see the number of nominations in 2022.  

“The BCE Excellence Awards recognise the extraordinary contribution of staff in support of our schools, and I wholeheartedly thank each and every one of our employees for the transformational work they do across our schools and offices,” she said. 

"Pope Francis said, ‘Educating is an act of love, it is like giving life’ and this was evident in the care that went into applications. The calibre of nominees makes a statement about the culture we both value and aspire to achieve at BCE.  

“I’m so proud of the enthusiasm, dedication, and achievements of our staff. 

“These awards are a significant event in our calendar as we commit to creating and sustaining a culture that celebrates the achievements and successes of our staff and as an organisation. 

It is essential that through our continued work, our distinct Catholic identity is explicitly celebrated, visible, expressed, and lived. 

“My sincere congratulations to all winners and nominees. BCE wishes them every blessing in their work.”  

The BCE Excellence Awards were again supported by valued sponsors, Australian Catholic University (ACU), Teachers Union Health (TUH) and NGS Super.   

Two new awards were introduced in 2022 - the BCE Award for Excellence in Championing Student Voice and the Teachers Union Health Award for Excellence in Safety and Wellbeing. 


BCE EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2022 WINNERS

The NGS Super Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in Primary School – Awarded to Nadine MacAninch, St Matthew’s School - Cornubia. 

The NGS Super Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in Secondary School – Awarded to Kerri-Anne Nolan, St Benedict’s College - Mango Hill. 

The TUH Award for Excellence in Safety and Wellbeing – Awarded to Nick Byway, Mt Maria College - Petrie. 

The ACU Award for Excellence as an Early Career Teacher – Awarded to Shannon Smith, Southern Cross Catholic College - Woody Point. 

The ACU Award for Excellence in Strengthening Catholic Identity – Awarded to Jenny Elmer, St Mary’s Primary School - Maryborough. 

The BCE Award for Excellence in Championing Student Voice – Awarded to Angela Ryan, St Peter Claver College - Riverview. 

The BCE Award for Excellence in a School Based Non-Teaching role – Awarded to Steven Harrison, Our Lady’s College - Annerley. 

The BCE Award for Excellence in a BCE Office Role – Awarded to Amy Robinson, Communications & Engagement.  

The BCE Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching by a School Team – Awarded to Christ the King, Deception Bay - Support Team.

The Archbishop’s Award for Leadership – Awarded to Deidre Young, McAuley College - Beaudesert. ​

BCE EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2022 COMMENDATIONS​

The GGS Super Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in Primary School 

Alison Turner, St Matthew’s School Cornubia 

Marea Molloy, St William’s Primary School Grovely 

Charlotte Bryan, Our Lady Help of Christians School Hendra 


The NGS Super Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in Secondary School 

Amanda Schimke, St Columban’s College Caboolture 

Matt Capp, Holy Spirit College Fitzgibbon 

Krissy Lourigan, St Mary’s College Maryborough 


The ACU Award for Excellence as Early Career Teacher 

Kenneth Sheldon, St John Fisher College Bracken Ridge 

James Edwards, St Joachim’s School Holland Park 

Charlotte Chambers, St Stephen’s School, Algester  

The ACU Award for Excellence in Strengthening Catholic Identity  

Alain Pitot, Catholic Identity 

Kelli Phillips, Our Lady of the Rosary School Caloundra 

Nancy Rodgers, Trinity College Beenleigh 


The TUH Award for Excellence in Safety and Wellbeing 

Merrin Owen, Trinity College Beenleigh 

Leanne Ritchie, Health & Safety Services 

Denise McGeary, Sophia College Plainland 


The BCE Award for Excellence in a BCE Office Role 

Ramon Gomez, Procurement 

Kirsty Kaeser, Learning & Pedagogy 

Donalee Moriarty, Executive Director’s Office 

The BCE Award for Excellence in a School Based Non-Teaching Role 

Tina Eichorn, St Augustine’s College Augustine Heights 

Teresa Tangitau Tongotongo, St Benedict’s College Mango Hill 

Lorraine Lowcock, St Benedict’s College Mango Hill 


The BCE Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching by a School Team 

St Joachim’s School Holland Park Primary Learning Leaders 


The Archbishop’s Award for Leadership 

Catherine Galvin, St John Fisher College Bracken Ridge 

Claire McLaren, St Benedict’s College Mango Hill 

Tammy McCart​ney, Organisational Development 


The BCE Aw​ard for Excellence in Championing Student Voice 

Carolyn De-Waitt Ryall and Renee Deveraux, Professional Standards & Student Protection 

Sharron Wood, St Eugene College Burpengary  

Joan Prasser, Siena Catholic College Sippy Downs ​

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