Toowoomba Catholic Schools excellence awards celebrate best teachers, support staff, volunteers in Toowoomba education sector

It’s one of the most prestigious award ceremonies acknowledging educators, support staff and volunteers in the education sector across the Toowoomba region. Find out who won here.

Nearly 100 employees from the region’s education sector were nominated for the 2022 Toowoomba Catholic Schools’ Excellence Awards.

The Chronicle spoke to all the winners who were announced at the annual ceremony in November.

Catholic Schools executive director Pat Coughlan said it was a privilege to have outstanding educators, volunteers and support staff who were committed to inspiring young people to learn and reach their full potential.

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

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

“We thank all of our finalists and recognise the invaluable contribution they make to both staff and students’ lives.”

Andrea Gormley – Teaching and Learning Support award

TCS Award recipients 2022 – Andrea Gormley.

Recognised for her ability to “quickly identify and offer a range of suggestions and strategies to support students’ needs”, Andrea Gormley was recognised with the Teaching and Learning Support award.

Fulfilling the middle leader of learning support role at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Ms Gormley has helped to create a more inclusive college community through events.

Nominated for leading the school’s literacy intervention program and overseeing a life skills program, she was commended for building connections, confidence and commitment in students.

Through the creation and management of these curriculum programs, the award recipient has also helped to identify specific needs of students.

Anita Crawford – Volunteer Support in a School Setting award

TCS Award recipients 2022 – Anita Crawford.

For the better part of a decade, Anita Crawford has been an active volunteer at St John’s Catholic School in Roma and intends to continue, even after her youngest child graduates.

Appointed president of the P & F committee six years ago, Anita also stepped into the role of tuckshop convener six years ago, after two years of purely volunteering at the canteen.

Contributing $100,000 worth of playground equipment to the school through fundraising efforts, the P & F has also assisted with funding the construction of buildings, the computer lab and the annual year 12 graduation dinners.

The tuckshop also produces an estimated $15,000 for the school each year.

“I just love being involved in the school community and the Roma is such a fantastic one to be part of because everyone really gets behind each other in this town,” Ms Crawford said.

The mum-of-three boys said it was the first time she had won an award at the TCS event.

Nominated by the school’s business manager and principal, Anita was nominated for her volunteer work and contribution to the school over the years.

“No one expects to win an award for doing what they love, but you can only do what you do with the team behind you and support of your family,” she said.

“(Making an impact) is not something I ever even thought I’d done, but I’m slowly getting used to hearing people congratulate me.”

Paul Herbert, Joanna Holden, Joseph Shorter, Mary Roberts, Matt Brown, Rod Spain and Tyron Fraser – eLearning award

TCS award recipients 2022 – eLearning collective from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools office.

For the eLearning award at this year’s event, it was a team effort with recipients from Our Lady of the Southern Cross College in Dalby, St Joseph’s School in Stanthorpe and the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office accepting the award.

Paul Herbert, Joanna Holden, Joseph Shorter, Mary Roberts, Matt Brown, Rod Spain and Tyron Fraser took out the award for leading the way with the development of two exciting initiatives.

With the education department identifying issues within the sector including shortages of teachers in low cohort schools and specialised subjects, the team implemented a hybrid learning concept, consisting of a combination of face-to-face and online learning.

The model allows one qualified educator who specialises in particular subjects to teach students from multiple schools – a strategy which has already proven to be successful, especially in rural and remote locations.

Another framework involves the creation of a course without the requirement of a teacher, combined with supervised classes once a week.

The eLearning Collective has already resulted in specialist maths, literature, modern history and legal studies becoming more accessible for students across the region.

Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office education officer Paul Herbert spoke to The Chronicle on behalf of the other award recipients.

“It took many years of trials and research to develop these models and the results have been very positive from our two pilot schools in Dalby and Stanthorpe,” he said.

“This means no matter where the student lives, they will receive the best education and that means they can still live in a small town and succeed … that’s what really drives me.

“For someone like me who is a technology dinosaur, it’s really exciting to take a step back and think strategically into the future and this award is validation that our work is relevant to this sector.”

Mr Herbert who has worked at the TCS office for the past five years and in the learning space for three, said he loved being part of a dynamic organisation and team.

“We’re thinking outside the box to make sure every one of our students are given the best opportunities to succeed,” he said.

“This is the most excited I have ever been at the Diocese because I really get the sense we are bringing the future to reality and that’s such a great feeling.”

Prior to his current role, Mr Herbert worked as a teacher for more than three decades, as a lecturer at UniSQ and opened his own business in education consultancy.

Kirstie Andrews – Emerging Leader award

TCS award recipient 2022 – Kirstie Andrews.

Passionate about improving literacy in schools, Kirstie Andrews has worked as the teacher librarian for St Joseph’s College since 2020.

Since her initial appointment she has also stepped in the literacy learning leader role to improve the reading, writing and speaking skills of students at the school.

Leading the Literacy Improvement Strategy, Ms Andrews said data which measured the impact of the initiative in classrooms had been promising since it was established in 2020.

Over the years, Ms Andrews had filled several different roles in the education sector, from acting operations manager and head of pastoral care, to teaching drama and English.

But since stepping into the library space in 2015 at another school, she discovered her true passion was literacy learning.

“As time went on I started to recognise students were struggling with their literacy and in today’s world where we have all these electronic devices, young people are no longer reading for pleasure or developing those skills,” Ms Andrews said.

“If students leave school without those literacy skills, it may close so many doors for them, which would be a real shame.”

The Emerging Leader award winner was also nominated for the Expert Secondary Teacher category.

Noting the high calibre of all the nominees on the night, Ms Andrews said she was shocked when she heard her name.

“Hollywood presents this stereotype of librarians as uptight people and libraries as silent places, but we are not like that,” Ms Andrews said.

“Teacher librarians draw on skills to enrich students in the learning space and recognise their potential … playing a role in someone’s life to help them one day pursue the career they love is a real privilege.

“I’m so fortunate to have had the opportunities to make an impact on a wider scale than just the classroom, but I also didn’t do it alone and I’m part of a great team and school.”

Kristen Bennie – Primary Expert Teacher award

TCS award recipients 2022 – Kristen Bennie.

Since joining Our Lady of the Southern Cross in Dalby in 2018, Ms Bennie has predominantly taught year 3 classes and this year fulfilled the role of acting principal for the early years.

Initially working in Brisbane, Ms Bennie relocated to Dalby in 2010 after falling in love and marrying a farmer from the area.

Taking a few years off to have children, the mum-of-four was elated to return to the classroom again.

“It was really refreshing to come back to teaching,” she said.

“Once you have your own kids you have that knowledge and experience first hand so it does help with greater insight into child development.”

Passionate about early years education, Ms Bennie received the Primary Expert Teacher award for excellence in teaching and learning.

In addition to her duties as an educator, the award winner has made an impact through a reading and writing improvement strategy and NAPLAN results.

Appointed a Queensland Independent Schools coach, she has also supported other teachers, been an active member of the college community and coaches the year 12 netball team.

Her desire to become an educator was always there from the moments she babysat children as a teenager, to helping out at a family daycare centre.

“I love working with children – it really is so inspiring to watch the growth of a child over the course of a year,” she said.

“You spend so much time with them, you get to see them grow, mature, build social skills and learn and the school becomes a second family for each student.”

Ms Bennie said while she was “gobsmacked” to receive an award, she was grateful for the honour, as well as the opportunities she has received throughout her career.

Kirsty Gillett – Administration, Finance and Facilities Support award

TCS award recipient 2022 – Kirsty Gillett.

While many educators were recognised at the prestigious event, hardworking staff members who work behind the scenes also received awards for going above and beyond.

Mary Mackillop Catholic College business manager Kirsty Gillett received the Admin, Finance and Facilities Support award.

Prior to the Highfields college where she has worked for almost five years, Ms Gillett worked at an accounting firm.

“Working in the education sector has been the most rewarding job I’ve ever had and I love walking out to the playground and hearing the kids yell out and say hello,” she said.

“You don’t get that sort of job satisfaction pumping out tax returns.”

In her diverse role, no day is the same with Ms Gillett cooking barbecues for prep students one day, managing finances and maintenance the next.

“Sometimes people who work behind the scenes of a school don’t get recognised for their contributions like teachers, so to receive this award was really lovely,” she said.

“We have a beautiful close-knit team at this school and I feel really lucky to work with this group of people every day.”

Lilly Daly – Early Career Teacher Award (Less than three years of teaching experience)

TCS award recipient 2022 – Lilly Daly.

She may be new to the industry, but Lilly Daly has already made an impact on her students and colleagues at Sacred Heart Primary School.

Ms Daly always knew she would one day become a teacher and spent her childhood setting up “classrooms” to educate her stuffed toys or assigning homework to her younger brother.

Originally from Brisbane and Far North Queensland, she graduated from the Australian Catholic University and relocated to Cunnamulla two years ago.

During her studies, she was also part of the National Exceptional Teachers For Disadvantaged Schools program, where participants learn about teaching in rural or disadvantaged areas.

“I think I always wanted to be a teacher and I am really passionate about education in those areas,” Ms Daly said.

“Not all, but some kids come to school because it’s their safe place, they need a role model and want to learn, but haven’t been given the opportunity before.”

Currently working as the year 5/6 teacher for Sacred Heart, Ms Daly loves delivering a hands-on education program and collaborating with other staff members.

“I love inspiring my students to be more – it’s not just about succeeding academically, but being a good person too,” she said.

“For me being a teacher is all about building strong relationships – not only with my students, but with parents, colleagues and within this close-knit community.”

The ambitious teacher received the Early Career Teacher award, for educators with less than three years experience – an achievement which has reaffirmed her confidence in the classroom.

One day Ms Daly plans to return to university and study a masters in educational leadership.

Lisa McPherson – Secondary Expert Teacher award

TCS award recipients 2022 – Lisa McPherson.

St Joseph’s School’s Lisa McPherson received the secondary expert teacher award for her contribution “beyond the school to the profession”.

Teaching chemistry, physics, science and maths at the Stanthorpe school, Ms McPherson has presented at conferences, contributed to text books and collaborated with external providers.

“Lisa’s dedication to her craft is infectious – she is a professional who is not afraid to take risks in the pursuit of improved pedagogy and her impact cycles are always inspired, meticulous in their organisation and data informed,” the nomination said.

“Pastoral care and a focus on the wellbeing of students is also of paramount importance to her and makes her a strong advocate and voice for those that need it.

“At the heart of all of this is her desire for the best outcomes for others, staff and students.”

Madonna Sleba – School Leadership award

TCS award recipients 2022 – Madonna Sleba.

Making an impact in the classroom and lives of others has always been Madonna Sleba’s priority in her lengthy career within the education sector.

The St Saviour’s Primary School principal fulfilled a variety of roles within the Brisbane Catholic Diocese over the course of 15 years, before relocating to Toowoomba.

After five years in her current role, Ms Sleba was recognised at the TCS ceremony with the School Leadership Award.

Humbled by the win, the education leader said she was grateful someone took the time to nominate her.

“I’ve always had a passion for influencing, teaching and learning in schools and been committed to the Catholic vision,” Ms Sleba said.

“Throughout my career, I have always had very supportive and collaborative teams around me who believe in providing Catholic education opportunities for students.”

In addition to the award, Ms Sleba has also stepped into the temporary role of the acting director of education services at the Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools’ office.

“(The recognition) shows you can make a difference for the students and staff at our schools,” she said.

“That’s what we’re aiming for all the time – making an impact on student’s learning and providing the best opportunities to our students so they go on to make the world a better place.”

Rebecca McGregor – Middle Leadership award

TCS award recipient 2022 – Rebecca McGregor.

When Rebecca McGregor was working in her first teaching position as a 21-year-old, the school’s principal told her “the most important thing about teaching is relationships”.

She has carried the words of wisdom with her throughout her career and believes the notion has contributed to her successes.

After working in classrooms in Moreton Bay, the North Burnett and South East Queensland, she began working in the Toowoomba Catholic Schools’ office as an educational officer in literacy in 2018.

Missing the atmosphere of a school, two years later she landed her dream role as the middle leader and assistant principal – religious education at St Monica’s School in Oakey.

“I instantly fell in love with the (Oakey) community – it’s one of those schools where you walk in and feel so welcomed straight away,” Ms McGregor said.

“Every day I feel so excited to wake up and come to school … that’s not the reality for a lot of people, so I’m very fortunate.”

In addition to fulfilling the two leadership roles, Ms McGregor also teaches art and drama at the school one day a week.

This year she received the Middle Leadership Award, the second time she has been recognised at the annual event, after receiving the educational support award in 2018.

Ms McGregor said the secret to being a good leader was being a good teacher first, as well as having excellent skills in communication and forming relationships with others.

“Teachers talk about those amazing ‘uh-ha’ moments with our kids, but I get that same feeling when I see staff flourish,” she said.

“I’m so inspired by the work my peers are doing, so just knowing they feel the same about my work is so humbling and really special.

“Our school has such a thriving community because the families, students and staff all look after each other so well and the getting the best educational outcome is always at the centre of every decision we make.”