‘Driving force’: Darling Downs educators shine at prestigious awards

Nearly 100 nominations were received for the annual awards which aim to recognise outstanding professionals in the education sector. Here are all the winners from the Darling Downs.

Employees in the catholic schools sector have been recognised for their efforts at the 2023 Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Awards.

Almost 100 staff members were nominated in the Toowoomba Diocese this year, with well-deserved recipients receiving awards across 10 categories.

Toowoomba Catholic Schools executive director Dr Pat Coughlan congratulated the winners and thanked all finalists for their contributions.

“We are privileged to have an outstanding staff who believe in and are committed to inspiring young people to learn and reach their full potential,” Dr Coughlan said.

“They work alongside volunteers and support staff to create a system of schools that is united, connected and progressive.

“This year’s recipients consistently bring the best ideas and innovations to their teaching, leadership and educational support.

“It is through their efforts and influence that we continue to provide excellent educational experiences, pastoral care and community connections across our 31 schools.”

The annual awards ceremony was held on July 27.

Administration, Finance and Facilities Award recipients (from second left) are Jodie McLachlan, Julie Robinson and Alex Sleba at the 2023 Toowoomba Catholic Awards.

Administration, Finance, and Facilities Support Award: Jodie McLachlan, Julie Robinson and Alex Sleba – St Saviour’s Primary School, Toowoomba

The power of collaboration and team work is evident at St Saviour’s Primary School with three recipients from the Toowoomba school awarded the Administration, Finance and Facilities Support Award.

School officer and administrator Julie Robinson began working for Toowoomba Catholic Schools in 1998, when she worked in the same role but for St Saviour’s College.

After her first child was enrolled in prep in 2005, Ms Robinson was offered the role at the primary school, which she accepted.

A former student of St Saviour’s College, the school holds a special place in the school officer’s heart who wanted to work in a school environment for as long as she can remember.

“I love watching kids grow – seeing them arrive in Prep then watching them throughout the years to when they finally graduate in Year 6 is just a very humbling and a feel-good moment,” she said.

“To have an impact on their lives in some small way is what I love the most – they are all unique and different and being able to make a difference in a child’s day is what drives me.”

Ms Robinson said the award ceremonies created an opportunity to highlight the hard work of all staff in the education sector, whether it be teachers, aides, leaders, volunteers or grounds and office employees.

“We were overwhelmed to hear our names called out – mainly because we won the award as a team,” she said.

“To win the award as a team was just fantastic (as) we each bring our own individual expertise to our roles.”

Meanwhile Alexandra Sleba, who has been working at as the school officer for St Saviour’s Primary School for the past two years, said she was drawn to the stability and challenge of the role.

“My main responsibility is looking after the enrolments, and I always like to ensure a new family feels welcome and part of our school community,” she said.

“I love the people I work with, and I love working with the children and their families.”

The Chronicle reached out to the third recipient of the award Jodie McLachlan but she did not respond.

Early Career Award recipient Tamara Creeley at the 2023 Toowoomba Catholic Awards.

Early Career Teacher (less than 3 years of teaching experience) Award: Tamara Creeley – Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby

Award-winning educator Tamara Creeley has wanted to teach for as long as she can remember and set her sights on the occupation when she was a child.

“My childhood was filled with forcing my siblings to play school with me on the weekend, and in high school I often helped my friends when our teacher didn’t explain things in a way they understood,” she said.

“I love inspiring students, seeing them be passionate about certain things and how proud they are when they finally understand a difficult topic.

“My favourite part of the job is when I get to be part of someone else falling in love with learning as I have always loved learning.”

Working at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College in Dalby, Ms Creeley teaches drama, religion and English to Years 8-12, but has previous experience with younger grades too.

Fulfilling the role of the school’s middle leader for the past two years, the passionate educator received the award for the diocese’s Early Career Teacher.

In addition to being appointed to the leadership role, another highlight of Ms Creeley’s three year career included writing the school musical in 2022 – the first in years due to Covid-19.

“I’ve worked pretty hard over the past few years, and it’s a great feeling to have someone else recognise that work, however I would not have been nearly as successful as I have been without the support of my school community,” she said.

“I love the place I work at and the people I work with … I’m so grateful for their guidance over the past few years and for the opportunities available to me.

Referring to the accolade as a “delightful surprise,” Ms Creeley recognised the other two finalists in the same category as “amazing teachers” who she said also deserved merit for their contributions.

eLearning Award recipients and Hybrid Learning Program team members at the 2023 Toowoomba Catholic Awards.

eLearning Award: Hybrid learning program team, Schools across the Diocese

Several staff members based in schools across the diocese have been celebrated for their contributions as a team member of the Hybrid Learning Program.

Project manger of the program, Rosie Bugg, who also works as a senior strategy and innovation leader in the TCS head office, said the award recognised the team for demonstrating “exemplary classroom practice through eLearning” and “leading to enhanced student outcomes”.

Ms Bugg said the Hybrid Learning Program team was tasked with working to achieve the organisation’s Hybrid Learning Vision.

“Each member has brought their unique piece of wisdom to the table, and their ability to think beyond their school context to a system-wide approach has been an instrumental enabler of the TCS hybrid learning vision,” she said.

“By providing their expertise, context, and support they have worked together to ensure the delivery of the project’s objectives, identify potential opportunities and risks, validate solutions, and make recommendations for the future of hybrid learning.

“As a result, they are making it a reality and ensuring it becomes a sustainable part of TCS’s future, ultimately providing equity of access to expert teachers, a range of subjects and academic success for all students.

“I was delighted for the team, they truly collaborated to ensure a sustainable strategic and operational foundation was established that will a TCS vision to be embedded for the years to come.”

Ms Bugg, who has been employed in her first role with the education sector and has been working for TCS since early 2022, said she brought with her more than a decade of experience in project and change management, as well as strategy, innovation and process improvement.

Drawn to the role due to its offer of collaborating with others to achieve an improved result, the project manager said TCS as an organisation also aligned with her desire to serve the community.

“(My favourite part of my job is) serving our students and staff to deliver our purpose ‘we believe in enabling full and flourishing lives’,” Ms Bugg said.

“I believe that by providing guidance, support, and opportunities, we can empower our students to overcome challenges and make a positive impact on the world.”

Emerging Leadership Award recipient Mark Baker (centre) at the 2023 Toowoomba Catholic Awards.

Emerging Leader Award: Mark Baker – Assumption College, Warwick

Working in the industry since 1997, Mark Baker has taught maths and science at some of the best schools across the Sunshine State.

Now based at Assumption College in Warwick, the experienced educator teaches students in Years 10 to 12 mathematical methods, STEM and physics.

“I love to share my passion for learning about the natural world and how it can be described using mathematics,” he said.

“Being a teacher allows me to tell stories behind the theory, do interesting demonstrations that get my students to think, and to tell dad jokes.”

Mr Baker who has worked at the Warwick school since 2019, said he loved being creative in his approach to teaching by designing engaging lessons for learners of all abilities.

Before Mr Baker became a teacher, he worked as a croupier at the Treasury Casino in Brisbane and attended opening night of the venue in 1995.

Nominated for two awards this year, the Emerging Leader recipient said he was grateful for the support he had received from his family, colleagues and students throughout his career.

Recognised for his leadership skills when organising student events, competitions and tutoring sessions, Mr Baker said he loved teaching about his biggest passions – maths and science – to others.

“I was in tears when (the awards were) announced because my students had written something very nice about me, and this was very unexpected,” Mr Baker said.

“Teaching science and maths forces me to keep up to date with the latest news or breakthroughs, particularly in astronomy, and this interests the students greatly.”

The Warwick educator also won an award at the Queensland Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology in 2009.

Primary Expert Teacher Award recipient Georgia Ford at the 2023 Toowoomba Catholic Awards.

Primary Expert Teacher Award: Georgia Ford – Mater Dei Primary School, Toowoomba

Drawn to teaching by the idea of making learning a fun and enjoyable experience for students, Georgia Ford said she always enjoyed working with children and valued the importance of education.

The educator, who has worked in the sector for six years but has been working with prep classes for the past three, received the Primary Expert Teacher Award to acknowledge her hard work ethic.

Inspired by the students she teaches at Mater Dei Primary School, the Toowoomba woman said it was the students who had driven her to excel in her role.

“Every year you get a new group of students with different needs and abilities who you want to support the best you can,” Ms Ford said.

“I love that I am given the opportunity to have an impact on their schooling experience and hopefully make school a place that they love coming to.”

Ms Ford said she was honoured to be recognised with an award and expressed gratitude to the supportive colleagues, families and leadership teams she worked with.

The prep classroom teacher said her biggest passion was teaching literacy in the early years and supporting students to become confident in reading and writing.

Secondary Expert Award recipient Mary Roberts at the 2023 Toowoomba Catholic Awards.

Secondary Expert Teacher Award: Mary Roberts – St Joseph’s School, Stanthorpe

An educator of many talents is St Joseph’s Schoolteacher Mary Roberts who not only received the Secondary Expert Teacher Award, but was also one of the collective members to be recognised with the eLearning award.

But Ms Roberts’ list of accolades continue with the experienced teacher of six years also nominated and short-listed for the Queensland College of Teachers’ Teach X Awards, under the Excellence in Teaching category.

The Stanthorpe educator said she was humbled by the recognition and praised her colleagues, noting they were “some of the best educators and leaders in the country” who continued to inspire her.

She said she considered the award a “team effort” as it represented the time, dedication and support colleagues had invested in her during her earliest days of teaching.

Ms Roberts, who teaches modern history, economics and business to senior high school students, previously worked in the banking, finance and marketing industries before she enrolled to study education.

“It seems quite cliche, but I was genuinely drawn to teaching by the students … I worked with secondary students while in higher education, and our interactions always energised me,” she said.

“Moving from a corporate career to teaching came with a shift in mindset, it’s been a huge learning curve, and I’ve relished the new challenges it’s presented me.”

Keen to create a safe learning environment for students to go beyond their comfort zones, Ms Roberts said she hoped to support students to become confident young adults to drive the nation.

“Using my previous career to build a platform of trust and experience for students drives me to bring real-world experiences into the classroom,” Ms Roberts said.

“I’m inspired to create a space for students to put their learning into practice and ask questions about what work, the social, political and economic world looks like, creating more informed and critical thinking future citizens.

“Ensuring (students in rural Queensland) have access to quality people and experiences is really important in closing the gap between regional and urban educational outcomes.”

School or Kindergarten Leadership Award recipient Sharon Collins at the 2023 Toowoomba Catholic Awards.

School Leadership Award: Sharon Collins – St Saviour’s College, Toowoomba

After almost three decades of working in the education sector, St Saviour’s College principal Sharon Collins, who also teaches study of religion, was recognised for her leadership.

Initially drawn to the subject areas of biology, maths and religion, Ms Collins decided to pursue a career in education but soon discovered her passion for helping young people.

The 2023 School Leadership recipient at the 2023 TCS Awards said her favourite aspect of her role was the people.

“Our Mercy Girls provide me with laughter and joy every day, (and) I appreciate the connection I have been able to build with parents and families over time,” she said.

“I also love the people I work with – such an incredible team, grounded, driven and committed to the greater good.

“It is through a quality education that individuals, irrespective of circumstance, are liberated … education empowers us to realise our personal potential – to do more and to be more.”

In addition to the recent award, Ms Collins has also received the 2021 Australian Council for Educational Leaders Queensland’s Excellence in Educational Leadership Award, the National Leadership Award in 2020.

The college principal was also named a finalist for the TCS Leadership accolade in 2019, as well as being one of the top three finalists at the 2018 Downs Women in Business Awards.

After seven years of working in her role at St Saviour’s, Ms Collins has announced she will be departing from the school at the end of the year, after accepting a position with Siena Catholic College on the Sunshine Coast.

Middle Leadership Award recipient Catherine Cooper at the 2023 Toowoomba Catholic Awards.

Other award recipients who declined to be interviewed or did not respond before time of publication were Catherine Cooper, Karli Ekerick and Nicole Booth.

Middle Leadership Award: Catherine Cooper – St John’s School, Roma

Ms Cooper, who is the academic leader of Years 7-12 at St John’s School in Roma, received the Middle Leader award.

Recognised for her “unwavering commitment” to monitoring the progress of students and initiating intervention when required, Ms Cooper was nominated for leading the work of curriculum leaders and co-ordinators across the school.

“The underlying focus has been on embracing students’ interests, abilities and meeting community expectations,” the anonymous nomination said.

“She has continually managed to engage teachers, students and their parents in substantive and meaningful dialogue which is goal and student orientated.”

The professional, who has a background in teaching English and drama, was also nominated for her innovative classroom practice and willingness to share ideas with others.

Volunteering Award recipient Karli Ekerick at the 2023 Toowoomba Catholic Awards.

Volunteer Support in a School Setting Award: Karli Ekerick – St Patrick’s School, Allora

Described as instrumental in keeping the P&F Association of St Patrick’s School “focused and active” throughout Covid-19, Ms Ekerick was nominated for her hard work and commitment.

For the past six years, Ms Ekerick has held different executive positions with the association and led several fundraising initiatives.

“Karli has been a driving force behind the P&F’s Golf and Bowls Day – a new fundraising

initiative, which has been highly successful not only in terms of the family unit, but also as a way of engaging the wider Allora Community and prospective parents,” the nomination said.

“At the heart of Karli’s motivation is the notion of community, and she firmly believes that the (St Patrick’s Parish) fete’s main objective is to bring the school and parish communities together in a sense of common belief and fellowship, where relationships are forged and valued.”

Teaching and Learning Support Award recipient Nicole Booth at the 2023 Toowoomba Catholic Awards.

Teaching and Learning Support Award: Nicole Booth – St Saviour’s College, Toowoomba

Working as the boarding manager at St Saviour’s College in Toowoomba, Ms Booth was named the recipient of the Teaching and Learning Support Award.

Recognised for her tireless work in ensuring the boarding students of the college have access to excellent education and care, Ms Booth was nominated for being a passionate educator.

“Nicole demonstrates a deep commitment to learning, but an even deeper commitment to forming young First Nations women, ensuring they have the necessary educational and life skills to set them up successfully for their pathways beyond school,” the nomination said.

“She seeks out opportunities for boarders to engage in sport, recreation and faith opportunities.”

Despite the college announcing the closure of McAuley House at the end of 2025, the anonymous nomination said enrolments at the boarding house had grown due to Ms Booth’s “steadfast leadership” and dedication to caring for students from remote communities.