Catholic Education Week 2021

Official Launch and presentation of Spirit of Catholic Education Awards

Tuesday 27 July 2021 Hanly Room, Francis Rush Centre 196 Charlotte St, Official Launch of Catholic Welcome Education to this celebration of Week 2021 Catholic Education Week in .

We come together today, in the Archdiocese of Brisbane, as representatives of Catholic education Official Welcome communities across Miss Pam Betts Queensland to celebrate Executive Director, and spread the ‘good news’ Brisbane Catholic Education Incl. video message from about the distinctive mission Hon Alan Tudge MP of Catholic education. Minister for Education and Youth

Launch Address Hon Grace Grace MP Minister for Education Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for Racing Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 2021

Introduction Acknowledgement of Sponsors Dr Lee-Anne Perry AM Dr Lee-Anne Perry AM Executive Director, Queensland Catholic Education Commission Executive Director, Queensland Catholic Education Commission

Presentation of Awards Presented to Professor Jim Nyland Hon Grace Grace MP Associate Vice Chancellor, Australian Catholic University Minster for Education Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for Racing Paul Lynch National Relationship Manager, Australian Catholic Superannuation & Retirement Fund

Award Recipients With special thanks to our ‘in kind’ sponsors Eric Ellis Katie Mills Schoolzine Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal Mater Dei Primary School, and Torres Strait Islander Toowoomba Cultural Studies Centre, Vote of Thanks Inala Fr John Boyd-Boland ofm Mrs Carmel Nash OAM Padua College, Executive Director, Catholic School Parents Queensland Ann Blakeney Kedron St Gerard Majella Primary School, Woree Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award Karl McKenzie Eric Ellis Ryan Catholic College, Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal Kirwan and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies Centre, Natalie McCosker Inala St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Emerald 2021 Spirit of Catholic Education Award Recipients

Ann has instigated two new programs Eric Ellis Ann Blakeney at St Gerard Majella this past year that bring in community members from Grounds Person Prep Teacher / Leader of opposite ends of the age spectrum. Engagement Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal and She introduced a monthly playgroup Torres Strait Islander Cultural St Gerard Majella Primary School, for 2-4-year-olds that enables families Studies Centre, Inala Woree to become familiar with the school environment before their children (Archdiocese of Brisbane) (Diocese of Cairns) start school. Her second initiative was the SGM Grandparents Club. Ann recognised that there was a wealth of knowledge among grandparents and Eric Ellis’s official role is as a Ann Blakeney is the heart and soul implemented a program to harness groundskeeper at Ngutana-Lui of St Gerard Majella Primary School, that knowledge and pass it on to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Woree, an exceptional role model and students in a variety of ways including Cultural Centre, located in the a dynamic leader in the community. classroom visits, helping with craft, and Brisbane suburb of Inala and operated She is currently successfully managing assisting in the tuckshop. Ann thinks by Brisbane Catholic Education, but Islander Cultures into Liturgy, including a number of roles within the school outside the box and embraces all his commitment to education goes through painting scripture and singing community including classroom associated with St Gerard Majella. much further. and playing the didgeridoo. teacher, Acting APRE and Leader of Engagement. Ann Blakeney is inspiring and admired Eric shares his knowledge and wisdom Eric is currently developing a Ngutana- by many. She greets everyone by name with students and staff as part of Lui Horticultural Aboriginal and Torres Ann works tirelessly to serve her and always has a warm smile and a kind a community effort to achieve a Strait Islander Traineeship where he community through many initiatives word for all. reconciled . would mentor and supervise a BCE and events. She strives to bring the student to get their certification. This St Gerard Majella family together Eric is brave enough to create change. has opened the possibility for other within the school and into the greater In the last year Eric has been helping opportunities for First Nation identified community. From the Garden Club to coordinate and present at the office staff traineeships which are currently being the Cairns Regional Council Festival Cultural Awareness Days. During these explored. Parade, Ann is always there. She works days Eric presents on intergenerational quietly and most often behind the trauma, sharing his personal story of Selflessly, Eric has used his artwork to scenes, never wanting attention drawn the Stolen Generation which is very raise money for Kinchela Boys Home to her but always ready with a smile, emotionally draining. He presents these Aboriginal Corporation. This charity advice and a listening ear. sessions so that staff can connect and is close to his heart as his father and understand cultural differences and uncles are survivors of the Stolen During a COVID-stricken 2020, Ann intergenerational trauma. Generation who were at Kinchela. was a bright light of hope, supporting family engagement throughout the Eric also often presents Cultural All he does outside of his official role as period of home learning and beyond. Knowledge to students at the centre. groundskeeper speaks volumes about During learning at home Ann engaged He is often called out to schools to what Eric stands for. He works humbly with other prep teachers and organised share his knowledge and be involved and tirelessly behind the scenes to try “driveway visits” to each prep student in cultural programs. He also helps the to create equality. He never expects to and their families. It is these ideas that Catholic Identity team to respectfully be recognised or rewarded for all he make Ann so unique and wonderful. incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait does – but he deserves to be. Karl McKenzie Natalie McCosker Chair, Indigenous Education Assistant Principal Religious Advisory Committee Education Ryan Catholic College, Kirwan St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Emerald (Diocese of Townsville) (Diocese of Rockhampton)

Karl is highly regarded for his The College has moved in to the Natalie displays outstanding integrity in contribution to Catholic education restorative justice space and Karl leading her school community through as a key agency of change within the makes himself available to be part strong faith-based relationships. She Catholic Church. of this process. As an example, Karl leads St Patrick’s Catholic Primary recently sat in on a restorative session School in all aspects of religious life He is currently the Chair of the Ryan with a recalcitrant student who had and is the face of evangelisation. Catholic College Indigenous Education engaged in a potentially racist activity. Her commitment to organising and Natalie gained inspiration from Laudato Advisory Committee and plays a key Karl’s calm demeanour, reference to presenting the sacramental program si’ which translated into St Patrick’s leadership role and has done so for the face of Christ in all, and skill set to the wider community in her own School Recycling Program. This many years. He supports the spirituality were well received. time is one small example of her encompasses all lessons recycling their of the College from Indigenous and leadership. She also inspires, trains, and paper and the Containers for Change Catholic perspectives. Karl plays a Karl fosters leadership in both of the encourages students in their calling program. The money raised from this role in the wider Church context and Advisory Committee members but has as altar servers as well as facilitating program contributes towards further participates actively in the Ministerial played a role in ensuring the student children’s liturgy. Her ability to attract support to her social justice initiatives. Region of the Good Shepherd voice sits around the table and their volunteers and train them in this Worshipping Community and lives voice is heard. Karl works closely with mission is wonderful. Natalie has a strong commitment to the Gospel values of compassion and the College Indigenous Education contemporary social justice causes respect for all. Team and in particular with the Natalie has been the driving force in as evidenced by her involvement as Coordinator and male school officers. embedding the Making Jesus Real coordinator of Mini Vinnies and her Karl also plays a leading role in the program throughout the school. She relationship with the Neighbourhood Boys Yarning Circle. developed a whole school approach Centre. Natalie organises a range to the teaching and learning of these of events and fundraisers which are principles. To model best practice, always focused on raising money or Natalie worked with all staff to impart awareness for those less fortunate. a deeper understanding of the By far the most successful fundraiser underlying intent and purpose of the Natalie conducted was the Daniel program. Each week, Natalie delivers Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum high quality lessons to all classes within which broke all previous records in the school. This allows the teachers Australia. to observe high quality instruction in action and all students in the school Natalie is a deserving recipient of the benefit from Natalie’s expertise. Spirit of Catholic Education Award. Her dedication and commitment to living the message of Jesus Christ make her an invaluable member of the school and parish community. Katie Mills Fr John Boyd-Boland Volunteer ofm Mater Dei Primary School, College Chaplain Toowoomba Padua College, Kedron (Diocese of Toowoomba)

As a school founded by the Good 100 meals each year. The Samaritan’s Fr John Boyd-Boland celebrated facilities. However, his work and impact Samaritan sisters, Mater Dei has Table has become an integral part of his 80th birthday this year and this is not defined in terms of achievements a strong Benedictine tradition, the culture of Mater Dei and many meal celebration highlights his incredible in buildings and other material committed to community life, justice, recipients have expressed their sincere service to Padua College and the outcomes, but in the relationships that hospitality, and compassionate service. and heartfelt gratitude. Franciscan Friars. Fr John is currently he has built with students, parents and Katie Mills is one of the school’s the College Chaplain at Padua staff and his demonstration of what it Katie’s dedication to listening with parents and through her long- College Kedron but in his time in the means to live the Gospel. His presence the ear of the heart and ensuring a standing voluntary commitment to The community he has also served as a and his relationships with students and compassionate response has built a Samaritan’s Table, lives this philosophy. teacher and College Rector. During his staff shine a light on what it means to sense of community that epitomises time as Parish Priest at Little Flower live the College values of peace, joy, The Samaritan’s Table provides home the story of the Good Samaritan. Parish in Kedron, he continued to humility, simplicity and courtesy. cooked meals to members of our work in the Padua community, and community who are experiencing times Fr John has committed over 30 years then returned to Padua as Chaplain of sadness, grief, hardship, or difficulty. to Catholic Education at Padua as in 2007. Fr John celebrated his 50th a Rector, Teacher, and Chaplain as Katie has looked for and implemented year of ordination and service to the well as over 50 years of service to the innovative and new solutions to Franciscan Friars in 2020. Franciscan Friars. Fr John Boyd-Boland support the school to achieve its goals Fr John’s commitment to the College a true servant leader and a worthy of connecting both students and is most exemplified in his commitment recipient of this award. the school community to the Good to the students and staff of Padua. Samaritan charism by encouraging a His presence in the community is a culture of looking out for others. Katie constant example of Franciscan values. has developed a sensitive, discreet and Fr John’s attendance at sporting empathetic radar to somehow learn events, camps, as a guest teacher in of hardship in our community. She religious education classrooms and at also links the generosity and service Friday lunchtime Mass is part of the of volunteers, as well as the humble Padua fabric. He provides theological, gratitude of recipients, to the story of pastoral, and spiritual support to the Good Samaritan. the College students and staff, and Katie’s gentle manner when working in particular the College Religious with others has fostered relationships Education and Formation Team. that inspire action and growth. Fr John’s achievements at Padua are This has been demonstrated for over many and varied. In his time as Rector, six years through her management of the College underwent significant more than 50 volunteers providing over growth in student numbers and new Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award

Eric also often presents Cultural Eric Ellis Knowledge to students at the centre. He is often called out to schools to Grounds Person share his knowledge and be involved Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal and in cultural programs. He also helps the Torres Strait Islander Cultural Catholic Identity team to respectfully Studies Centre, Inala incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures into Liturgy, including (Archdiocese of Brisbane) through painting scripture and singing and playing the didgeridoo. Eric is currently developing a Ngutana- Eric is a dual award recipient of this Lui Horticultural Aboriginal and Torres year’s Spirit of Catholic Education Strait Islander Traineeship where he Award and the Aunty Joan Hendriks would mentor and supervise a BCE Reconciliation Award. student to get their certification. This has opened the possibility for other Eric Ellis’s official role is as a opportunities for First Nation identified groundskeeper at Ngutana-Lui traineeships which are currently being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander explored. Cultural Centre, located in the Brisbane suburb of Inala and operated Selflessly, Eric has used his artwork to by Brisbane Catholic Education, but raise money for Kinchela Boys Home his commitment to education goes Aboriginal Corporation. This charity much further. is close to his heart as his father and uncles are survivors of the Stolen Eric shares his knowledge and wisdom Generation who were at Kinchela. with students and staff as part of a community effort to achieve a All he does outside of his official role as reconciled Australia. groundskeeper speaks volumes about what Eric stands for. He works humbly Eric is brave enough to create change. and tirelessly behind the scenes to try In the last year Eric has been helping to create equality. He never expects to coordinate and present at the office staff be recognised or rewarded for all he Cultural Awareness Days. During these does – but he deserves to be. This award is named in honour of Aunty Joan Hendriks, a Ngugi elder of one of days Eric presents on intergenerational the three groups of in . A former Lourdes trauma, sharing his personal story of Hill College student and elder in residence, Aunty Joan brought indigenous the Stolen Generation which is very issues to the international stage, speaking at the United Nations and emotionally draining. He presents these International Interfaith Forums. She was awarded an honorary Doctorate from sessions so that staff can connect and the Australian Catholic University, where she was a sessional lecturer in both understand cultural differences and the Diploma in Indigenous Education and the Bachelor of Primary Education intergenerational trauma. (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.

Catholic Education Week 2021 proudly sponsored by

Hosted by

#cewqld2021 catholiceducationweek.com.au