Outstanding staff from local Catholic schools were recognised for their commitment to Catholic Education at the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd (DOSCEL) Leadership Dinner on Friday 27 May.
Two teachers from St Francis Xavier College Beaconsfield and one from St Clare’s Catholic Primary School Officer received awards for excellence.
Simon Cuckson from St Francis Xavier College received a prestigious Spirit of Catholic Education Inspiring Faith award.
The award recognised Simon’s exemplary work in leading a successful youth leadership and personal development program for many years at St Francis Xavier College. He has continued to develop new ways to inspire faith development in students, leading Retreats for Year 11 and 12 students and extra curricula opportunities such as the Berwick Soup Van.
Paul Kimonides received a Service Award in recognition of 25 years or more of service to Australian Catholic education.
Paul has been at St Francis Xavier College for 25 years and has been a leader in advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning. He is currently
teaching Religious Education and Systems to broaden his career.
Carol Brown of St Clare’s Catholic Primary School at Officer received a Spirit of Catholic Education Inspiring Learning award.
Carol has worked in Catholic schools in the Diocese for many years at St James Primary School at Nar Nar Goon, Mary MacKillop Primary School at Narre Warren and more recently St Clare’s Primary School at Officer.
She has been instrumental in promoting literacy and learning and working with staff to develop comprehensive Personal Learning Plans for students with disabilities.
The three were among 11 staff members and three students from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Sale to receive awards on the night.
Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Maria Kirkwood, congratulated the award recipients for the wonderful work they do in inspiring faith and learning.
“Our schools are led by educators and support staff who are passionately committed to the learning, safety and well-being of each student in their care,” she said.
The Leadership Eucharist Dinner and Awards presentation launched the beginning of Catholic Education Week (May 27 – June 3) in the Diocese of Sale.
This year’s theme is ‘Go out into the world and spread the Good News to all creation’ from the Gospel of Mark 16:15.
The Diocese of Sale covers 38 Catholic primary schools and seven Catholic secondary schools in a geographic area that spans from Melbourne’s outer south eastern suburbs, throughout Gippsland all the way to Orbost in the east.
Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for Catholic Schools to welcome people to attend open days and events and see the inspiring activities happening in Catholic schools every day. For information on tours and enrolment contact your local Catholic school.
