As Catholic Education Week 2025 approaches, we are celebrating the dedicated teachers and school staff who support the spiritual growth of our students.
Through his role as an Integrated Arts Specialist and leader of school liturgies, he has transformed the way students engage with the Catholic faith, the Arts, and learning.
Matt said it was a privilege to create songs for the community that allow students to walk with each other and connect more deeply to the school liturgies.
“When teachers bring their passions to the community, we become a source of inspiration for the students," Matt said.
“By writing and sharing the songs we sing together, it encourages our students to see creativity as an act of worship and allows them to contribute to shaping the liturgies.
“This fosters a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility."
This approach has made a lasting impact on how students view their role in the faith community, allowing them to take ownership of their faith journey through music.
Matt has a unique ability to build strong, collaborative partnerships with both staff and students, fostering a deep sense of belonging within the school community.
“The Arts are wonderful gifts of beauty that help us transcend our material experiences to access the divine," Matt said.
“Our school aligns itself with the charisms of St Benedict, who said to 'listen with the ear of your heart'.
“When we come together to sing as a community, we are uniting as one voice to share in worship, praise and communion.
“This leads us on a journey from the head to the heart. It also develops strong neural pathways and generates good chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin, which bring joy and a sense of belonging," he said.
Whether through his commitment to inclusivity, his daily engagement with students, or his quiet acts of support for his colleagues, Matt lives out the values of the Catholic faith in every interaction.
Our Lady of the Assumption School Enoggera Principal Kate MacArthur said Matt's deep understanding of the Catholic faith, particularly the Benedictine tradition, allows him to lead with a sense of reverence, humility, and service.
“By engaging personally with every student and understanding their unique strengths and needs, he has created a highly inclusive and supportive environment," Kate said.
“His leadership in music and liturgy has transformed our school's worship experiences, bringing students, staff, and families together in ways that have strengthened our Catholic identity."
The Spirit of Catholic Education Awards are presented annually by the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) during Catholic Education Week and honour the unwavering dedication and contributions that shape and strengthen Catholic education across Queensland.
Head to the
Catholic Education Week site for the full list of nominees across Queensland.
About Catholic Education Week Every year, during the third week of Term 3, students, staff, and parents from 313 Queensland Catholic schools unite to celebrate their vibrant learning communities.
In 2025, the theme Communities of Faith, Hope & Love captures the essence of what it means to be part of a Catholic school community. Faith ignites growth. Hope fuels support. Love welcomes all. Together, these pillars nurture students' spirits, empower teachers, and embrace families, creating a community where everyone can thrive.
Learn more about Catholic Education Week
here.