Dedicated educators recognised
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Nine outstanding South Australian educators, including one who helps students raise chickens called Hennifer Lopez and Eggie Betts, were recognised at the annual Catholic Education Awards ceremony on May 18.
The awards – which are celebrated as part of Catholic Education Week (May 15 – 21 2023) -recognise outstanding achievements and contributions by staff and volunteers across South Australia’s 101 Catholic schools.
Those honoured include Nick Mezzino, an experienced educator with a passion for the environment and a sense of humour. Nick has implemented sustainability projects including vegetable and butterfly gardens, a worm farm and imaginatively named chickens. He received the new Laudato Si’ Award category sponsored by The Southern Cross.
Other award winners were:
- Early Career Teacher (Primary) – Jared Centenera, a Reception teacher at Saint Ignatius’ College, has not only made significant improvements in his own classroom, but also shared his learning with his peers and has been instrumental in supporting changes to literacy practice across the Junior Primary classrooms
- Early Career teacher (secondary) – Nathan O’Brien is already making a big difference in Port Augusta in just his fourth year as a Maths and Science teacher at Caritas College.
- Experienced teacher (Primary) – Madeline Cole from St Michael’s College has been instrumental in the implementation of the Positive Behaviour Management process at the college, making a positive difference in the lives of the younger learners.
- Experienced teacher (secondary) – Ruth Taylor, an assistant principal (Religious Identity and Mission), is building relationships and changing the lives of disengaged students through a bespoke program at Thomas More College.
- Volunteer – Louisa Scopacasa has been dedicating her time weekly to the P&F and as second-hand uniform shop coordinator) for a decade at Our Lady Queen of Peace School.
- Education support – James Lodge, a laboratory manager, was recognised for more than 20 years of work above and beyond his role which includes an aquaculture program and supporting school partnerships with Indigenous communities.
In addition, Kildare College’s Graduate Program (led by Raymond Kropinski) received the Innovative Program Award. The program supports and empowers early career teachers to become dynamic professions.
Susan Young was recognised for her leadership and lifelong contribution to Catholic Education SA.
Catholic Education SA director Dr Neil McGoran presented a gift to Professor Denis Ralph who retired last month as chair of the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools (SACCS).
The award ceremony, hosted by media personality Jess Adamson, was held at Hilton Adelaide on May 18 following Mass celebrated by Archbishop Patrick O’Regan in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral.
Katrine Hildyard MP, Minister for Child Protection, attended the awards and spoke of the formative education she experienced as a student at St John the Baptist School, Plympton.
Each award recipient gave moving acceptance speeches that highlighted their passion for the vocation of education.
“We cried, we laughed,” said Ms Adamson at the conclusion of the awards.
John Foley, assistant director, Catholic Education South Australia, said the awards “shine a light on the incredible passion of our staff and volunteers”.
“The awardees demonstrate the extraordinary outcomes that can be achieved when people are dedicated and passionate about teaching and learning,” he said.
“At Catholic Education South Australia we really care about our students – we’re keen to see every young person in our schools thrive. Each of these recipients is a wonderful example of the unwavering commitment to Catholic education shown by staff and volunteers in our 101 school communities across the State.”
Award sponsors were ngs Super, Association of Principals of Catholic Secondary Schools, SA Catholic Primary Principals Association, Secondary Deputy Principals
and Senior Leaders of Catholic Education South Australia, and The Southern Cross newspaper.
Read more about this year’s award recipients here.
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