Catholic teachers and students recognised

From left: Chris Black – Principal St Peter’s College, Cranbourne, Debra Punton – Deputy Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Elizabeth Hunt awardee Kiara St Mart - St Peter’s College, Cranbourne, Paul Velton - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale. Picture: Supplied

Staff and students from local Catholic schools have been recognised for their commitment to Catholic Education across the Diocese of Sale.

A Leadership Eucharist was held at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church on Friday 17 May followed by an awards presentation at the Geode Centre at St Peter’s College Clyde North Campus to launch the beginning of Catholic Education Week.

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale Paul Velten congratulated all award recipients for the wonderful work they did.

The Cranbourne awardees were among 25 people from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Sale to receive awards at the presentation.

Mr Velten said the Diocese was proud to have such exceptional individuals in Catholic schools across the Diocese.

“We are grateful for their leadership, service, and excellence,” he said.

Catholic Education Service Awards – 25 years or more of service

Two staff members from St Therese’s Primary School Cranbourne received a Service Award in recognition of 25 years or more of service to Australian Catholic Education. Patricia Lloyd was awarded for 33 years of service, and Rosetta Osthmuller for 27 years of service. The two were among 10 staff in the Diocese of Sale to receive a Service Award.

Spirit of Catholic Education – Inspiring Learning award

Bradley Scammell and Michael Ling from St Peter’s College Cranbourne were awarded Spirit of Catholic Education Inspiring Learning awards.

As Middle Years Curriculum leader at St Peter’s College, Bradley Scammell has been instrumental in introducing innovative educational initiatives and setting new academic goals as part of the Curriculum Team. Bradley has also established the ‘Breakfast Bites’ program which aims to support staff to engage and collaborate to promote expert teaching practices and evidence-based learning.

As the pioneering STEM teacher at St Peter’s College, Michael Ling has been instrumental in shaping and advancing the STEM curriculum, setting a standard for excellence and innovation. His dedication to creating a contemporary and engaging learning environment has inspired academic growth and fostered a passion for science and mathematics among students. His commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise through research projects with external organisations and contributing to publications and webinars demonstrates his dedication to advancing STEM education on a broader scale.

Daniel Ahern Bursary

Shevaun Lazarus of St Agatha’s Primary School Cranbourne was awarded a Daniel Ahern Bursary which provides support to non-teaching staff while studying for a teaching degree. Shevaun currently works part-time as an education support officer at St Agatha’s Primary School and is looking forward to achieving her goal of becoming a teacher in a Catholic school.

Elizabeth Hunt Scholarship

Kiara St Mart graduated from St Peter’s College Cranbourne in 2023 and was awarded an Elizabeth Hunt Scholarship to assist her in studying for a university teaching degree. The Scholarship provides a contribution to the cost of teaching studies for each year of the course to support graduates to pursue a teaching career in a Catholic school in the Diocese.

Kiara is described as having a strong sense of social responsibility and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of young learners.

The Diocese of Sale covers 38 Catholic primary schools and seven Catholic secondary schools spanning a geographic area from Melbourne’s outer south-east suburbs from Narre Warren and Cranbourne to Phillip Island in the south, and right throughout Gippsland to Orbost in the east.

A 39th Catholic primary school is currently under construction in the new Five Farms estate in the growth suburb of Clyde North with a planned opening in 2025.

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.

To find out more about Catholic schools in your area visit: www.doscel.catholic.edu.au