Catholic teachers and students recognised at Awards Night

23 May 2023

Staff and students from local Catholic schools have been recognised for their commitment to Catholic Education across the Diocese of Sale. A Leadership Eucharist and Awards presentation was held in Traralgon to launch the beginning of Catholic Education Week in the Diocese which runs from 19 May to 26 May, 2023.

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten, congratulated the 13 award recipients for the wonderful work they do.

“We are proud to have such exceptional individuals in our Catholic school community, and we are grateful for their leadership, service and excellence.

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 from Narre Warren and Cranbourne, to Phillip Island, and right throughout Gippsland 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.

Catholic Education Service Awards

Service Awards are presented to staff members who have provided at least 25 years of service to Catholic Education in Australia.

Award recipients

Ms Carolyn Ellul - St Peter’s College, Cranbourne
Mr Barry Fisher - St Peter’s College, Cranbourne
Mr Christopher Kool - Nagle College, Bairnsdale
Ms Kathleen McCormick - St Peter’s College, Cranbourne

Photo above: From left : Catholic Bishop of Sale - Most Reverend Greg Bennet, ‘Service Award’ recipients Ms Kathleen McCormick, Mr Barry Fisher and Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale - Mr Paul Velten

Spirit of Catholic Education Awards

Inspiring Faith

The Spirit of Catholic Education Award for Inspiring Faith is awarded for a significant contribution to the development of students’ faith lives.

Award recipients

Miss Fiona McKenna - St Peter’s College, Cranbourne
Mrs Joy Andrews - St Therese’s Primary School, Cranbourne North and St Agatha’s Primary School, Cranbourne
Ms Michelle Pereira - St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield

Photo above: From left : Catholic Bishop of Sale - Most Reverend Greg Bennet, ‘Spirit of Catholic Education Awards Inspiring Faith’ recipients Mrs Joy Andrews, Miss Fiona McKenna, Ms Michelle Pereira and Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale - Mr Paul Velten.

Inspiring Learning

The Spirit of Catholic Education Award for Inspiring Learning is awarded for a significant contribution to student learning.

Award recipients

Mr Ben Cunningham - Marist-Sion College, Warragul
Mrs Erin McInerney - St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield

Photo above: From left : Catholic Bishop of Sale - Most Reverend Greg Bennet, ‘Spirit of Catholic Education Awards Inspiring Learning’ recipients Mrs Erin McInerney, Mr Ben Cunningham and Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale - Mr Paul Velten.

Daniel Ahern Bursary

The Daniel Ahern Bursary provides financial support to staff employed in primary and secondary schools in the Diocese of Sale, who are presently undertaking teacher education studies.

Mr James Forrester - Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Leongatha

Mr Jordan Wyatt - Marist-Sion College, Warragul
Miss Olivia Castello - St Angela of the Cross Primary School, Warragul

Photo above: Catholic Bishop of Sale - Most Reverend Greg Bennet, ‘Daniel Ahern Bursary’ recipient Mr Jordan Wyatt and Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale - Mr Paul Velten.

Photo above: Catholic Bishop of Sale - Most Reverend Greg Bennet, ‘Daniel Ahern Bursary’ recipient Ms Olivia Castello and Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale - Mr Paul Velten.

Father James Wall ‘Leadership Achievement Award’

Each year, seven students across Australia are selected to receive the Father James Wall Bursary. The bursary recognises the achievements of Catholic secondary school students who demonstrate outstanding leadership and service to others. The recipients each receive $4,000 from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF) to assist with school fees and other expenses incurred while undertaking studies in Years 11 and 12.

Award recipient

Miss Zali Miron - Marist Sion College, Warragul

Zali Miron received the award for her leadership and service as a College Ambassador, leading tours for prospective families, participating in the College Production and inaugural Year 10 Music Ministry class which leads the College Liturgical Celebrations. Zali also represented the College in the Day of Dialogue, a day where students from six different schools of different faith traditions meet to learn about each other and other religious tradition.

Photo above: From left : Catholic Bishop of Sale - Most Reverend Greg Bennet, ‘Father James Wall Bursary’ recipient Miss Zali Miron, Chief Executive Officer of the Catholic Development Fund (CDF) - Mr Matthew Cassin and Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale - Mr Paul Velten.