St Mary’s Primary School Ipswich teacher, Amber Pacey’s dedication to ‘Care for County’, earned her a nomination for the prestigious Spirit of Catholic Education Awards in 2024.
Her initiative saw students and staff reminded of the sacredness of the land and our collective responsibility to protect it.
Amber is of one of a select few to receive a nomination for the Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award, named in honour of Aunty Joan Hendriks, a Ngugi Elder, for creating positive change with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff.
Nominations for the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards are now open, honouring outstanding contributions to Catholic education in Queensland.
Each year, Catholic school communities across the state nominate individuals and teams, recognising their excellence in work, leadership, service, and positive impact on First Nations students.
Fostering respect and engagement with First Nations cultures and communities
In her role as a member of the St Mary’s Primary School’s Reconciliation Action Plan Group, Amber works with First Nations students and their families, fostering understanding, respect and engagement with First Nations cultures and communities.
Amber said that educators play a critical role in shaping perceptions and deepening understanding of First Nations histories and cultures.
“I am proud of our progress as a school in making authentic changes to celebrate diversity,” Amber said.
“Through curriculum inside the classroom and programs and practices outside the classroom, St Mary’s Primary School is a better place because of what we have been doing.”
Not only has Amber forged strong connections with families at the school, but she and her team have also built relationships with local Elders and visited sacred sites in the area, allowing her to support students and colleagues with cultural awareness linked to St Mary’s local context.
Sea of Hands reconcilation project
One of Amber's most significant initiatives, with her colleague Kristen Lunney, was the reconciliation project, the Sea of Hands, which is an important symbol of solidarity with First Nations Peoples used during events such as National Reconciliation Week.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the beautiful St Mary’s Church—a powerful and lasting reminder of St Mary’s commitment to meaningful change.
In addition, Amber led the creation of a whole-school Acknowledgement of Country incorporating Key Word Sign, as well as the co-design and co-construction of a First Nations Garden and art works around the school.
“Through this First Nations garden project, students and staff are reminded of the sacredness of the land and our collective responsibility to protect it. The collaborative art piece, created by students past and present, reflects our ongoing connection to Country and the wisdom shared across generations,” Amber said.
“It has not only enhanced our connection to Country, but it is so pleasing to see how the project has inspired a school-wide appreciation for First Nations culture and sustainable practices.”
A worthy nominee
St Mary’s Ipswich Principal, Christopher Bartlett said Amber’s ability to create meaningful bonds with First Nations students stands out as a testament to her personal dedication.
“Amber has worked diligently to weave the threads of First Nations heritage into the fabric of our school's ethos,” Christopher said.
“By assisting our First Nations students to engage more deeply with their culture, Amber has not only supported their personal and academic growth but has also enriched our school’s cultural tapestry.”
Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award
This award is named in honour of Aunty Joan Hendriks, a Ngugi Elder of one of the three Language groups of the Quandamooka people in the Morten Bay region.
A former Lourdes Hill College student and Elder in residence, Aunty Joan brought forward social justice issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples speaking at the United Nations and International Interfaith Forums.
She was awarded an honorary Doctorate from the Australian Catholic University, where she was a sessional lecturer in both the Diploma in Indigenous Education and the Bachelor of Primary Education (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.
Nominate today!
Do you know a colleague who exemplifies faith in action? Someone who brings hope, inclusion, and love into their work?
Now is the time to recognise their dedication and impact!
About the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards
The Spirit of Catholic Education Awards are presented annually in conjunction with Catholic Education Week (CEW) (27 July to 2 August 2025) to celebrate outstanding contributions to Catholic education in Queensland.
Each year nominations are received from Catholic school communities across the State, highlighting the important work being undertaken by staff, parents, carers, and volunteers who support Catholic school students.
Nominees, including teams, are recognised across a number of categories for excellence in their work, leadership, service, initiative and creating positive change for indigenous students.