Posted 24 November 2022 by Catholic Education in Director's News
The Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) Lighting the Way Faith and Learning Recognition Awards acknowledge the outstanding efforts of individual staff in schools and the Catholic Education Office who, in the course of their work, have been exemplary in one or more particular areas of educational endeavour.
Proudly supported by the Catholic Development Fund, the awards promote the value of professional and personal accomplishment in the ministry of Catholic education, celebrating excellence, passion, dedication of service, a love of work, and a commitment made to young people.
They are a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to the outstanding women and men who work for CEDoW, and who embody the values of integrity, compassion, justice, and hope. The award nominees and recipients have excelled in a range of mission-centric areas, with each person working hard to create vibrant Catholic school communities where students find meaning and purpose in life.
In line with COVID-safe restrictions in effect last year, the 2021 biennial awards, including the announcement of the 2021 nominees and winners, were disappointingly postponed.
Yesterday Peter Hill, the Director of Schools, hosted the winning recipients for a lunch, where they each received their awards and a number of gifts in recognition of their achievements. He said the awards are symbolic of CEDoW's commitment to authentic and continuous improvement in growth, life and energy for the staff and students in our schools.
“These awards are special as they are a good news story,” said Mr Hill. “They are about people – teachers, education officers and support staff – who show the way for young people. Celebrating these contributions is both the purpose and the joy of our Lighting the Way Faith and Learning Recognition Awards.”
“A key part of realising our mission is affirming those working to deliver it and it is appropriate that we celebrate these significant accomplishments,” said Mr Hill. ”I commend the nominees and award winners as recipients truly worthy of our admiration and acclaim.”
We are proud to officially announce the winners of the 2021 Lighting the Way Faith and Learning Recognition Awards.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - WINNERS
These awards reflect the achievements and service of those who have been nominated by their peers for professional recognition. Click on each award to see recipients.
OUTSTANDING EARLY CAREER TEACHER AWARD
This is an award for a teacher of 1-5 years of graduate experience who has demonstrated an excellent standard of classroom practice that has resulted in evidenced growth in faith and learning for students over the previous 12-month period. This award includes a $2,000 scholarship to fund a suitable professional development opportunity.
Outstanding Early Career Teacher Award-Primary:
Hannah Witheridge - St John the Evangelist, Campbelltown
Outstanding Early Career Teacher Award-Secondary:
Hannah Masterson - Holy Spirit, Bellambi
OUTSTANDING SUPPORT STAFF AWARD
This award is for a support staff member who has demonstrated: active promotion of the aims of Catholic education; and/or consistent performance significantly above what is expected; and/or independent initiative, resourcefulness; and/or demonstrated ability to adapt to innovation/change in the educational and/or administrative function of the school/office. This award includes a $2,000 scholarship to fund a suitable professional development opportunity.
Outstanding Support Staff Award:
Leonie Moylan - Nazareth, Shellharbour City
Outstanding Support Staff Award:
Sharon Henry - CEO, Wollongong
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AWARD
These awards are to recognise exceptional performance across one of the following professional practices: Leading Catholic Life, Education and Mission; Leading Teaching and Learning; Developing Self and Others; Leading Improvement, Innovation and Change; Engaging and Working with the Community. This award includes of a $2,000 scholarship to fund a suitable professional development opportunity.
Leading Catholic Life, Education and Mission Award:
Steven Robinson - John Therry, Rosemeadow
Leading Catholic Life, Education and Mission Award:
Timothy Hart - CEO, Wollongong
Leading Teaching and Learning Award:
Ian Gorrie - Magdalene, Narellan
Developing Self and Others Award:
Tammbrey Isbister - St Benedict's, Oran Park
Developing Self and Others Award:
Natasha O'Donoghue - CEO, Wollongong
Leading Improvement, Innovation and Change Award:
Patrick Douglas - St Michael's, Nowra
Engaging and Working with the Community Award:
Josephine Ball - St Joseph's, Albion Park
LIGHTING THE WAY AWARD
Based on the recommendation of the moderating panel (appointed by the Awards and Recognition Organising Committee each year) the Director of Schools will endorse the most meritorious Professional Practices Award application received each year that demonstrates an outstanding contribution to the growth in faith and improvement in learning of students of the Diocese. This individual will receive The Lighting the Way Award, the most prestigious award. The Lighting The Way Award includes a $5,000 scholarship to fund a suitable professional development opportunity.
The 2021 Lighting the Way Award -
Leading Improvement, Innovation and Change (ONCE program):
Michelle Davey - CEO, Wollongong
DIRECTOR'S DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Director of Schools retains the discretion to confer an exceptional Distinguished Achievement Award to acknowledge an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the overarching mission of Catholic education in the diocese.
The 2021 DIRECTOR'S DISTINGUISHED Award:
Gayle McMahon - CEO, Wollongong
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - NOMINEES
Congratulations to all of the nominees.
OUTSTANDING EARLY CAREER TEACHER AWARD
Jacob Jenkins - previously at St Anthony's, Picton in 2021
Tayla Gaviglia - St Anthony's, Picton
Madeline Negus - St Michael's, Thirroul
Dakotah Acevedo - St Joseph's, Albion Park
Grace Potts - St Francis, Edmondson Park
Abbey Baker - St John's, Nowra
OUTSTANDING SUPPORT STAFF AWARD
Linda Sewell - St Michael's, Mittagong
Toumanda Fohrman - previously at ST JOSEPH'S, ALBION PARK (2021)
Roberta Tuckey-Lynch - ST JOSEPH'S, ALBION PARK
Sean Gray - PREVIOUSLY AT ST JOHN'S, NOWRA (2021)
Josephine Cable - CEO, Wollongong
Paula Vera - CEO, Wollongong
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AWARD
