SUE Williams has been named School Leader of the Year at the annual The Catholic Leader Community Leader Awards.
The award recognised a school leader who had made an outstanding contribution to the spiritual, personal, and academic life of students.
Mrs Williams, who is Assistant Principal for Religious Education at Holy Spirit Primary School, New Farm, said she was surprised to learn she had won the prestigious award.
“I read the email a few times,” she said.
“I couldn’t believe it; I felt very humbled.”
Mrs Williams said she loved being a teacher and felt “so blessed” to be able to do it every day.
“I have always wanted to be a teacher; to make a difference in the lives of children,” she said.
BCE Executive Director Pam Betts presented the award to Mrs Williams at a gala event at Australian Catholic University’s Brisbane campus attended by Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane and more than 120 guests.
Holy Spirit School, New Farm teacher Cecilia Bozzi nominated Mrs Williams for the award, because she was an inspiration to not only those at Holy Spirit School but also in the wider community.
“Sue integrates Catholic beliefs and practices daily within our school community,” Miss Bozzi said.
“She does this by being a present role model who encompasses all the qualities of the fruits of the Spirit.
Mrs Williams was recognised for helping shape the school’s Catholic Identity by coordinating numerous religious events throughout the school calendar and working closely with parish staff to support various Church events.
She created a vision for the school that encompassed the Mercy charism in a personal and effective way.
Events such as weekly Sacred Singing invited all members of the school community to join together in song and prayer.
This achieved a great response from students during weekly Mass and greater participation from all involved.
Sue also has been involved in reach out programs for families dealing with illnesses and coordinated food relief or transportation for them.
The Catholic Leader General Manager, Matt Emerick, also congratulated Mrs Williams on winning the award.
He said the Community Leader Awards were a great opportunity to recognise the silent achievers in Church and school communities across Australia
“It is an opportunity to showcase the good work the people in our Catholic parishes, schools, organisations, ministries and charities are doing to make Australia a better place,” he said.