The theme “Fully Alive,” reminds us that we are most alive when we are in touch with our inner selves and can acknowledge the deep connection between ourselves, God, others, and creation. As communities of faith, we are called to grow in awareness of the life in and around us, as we continue to strive for a fulfilling and meaningful existence.
Fr Greg Barker described the Liturgy as an “opportunity to celebrate the remarkable work, passion, and enthusiasm our Catholic schools exhibit on a daily basis”
This was followed by the presentation of the Emmaus Awards, which recognise and celebrate the significant contribution made by our staff in the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
This year's Emmaus Award recipients, as nominated by their peers, and judged by a panel of experts in Education and Leadership were:
- Outstanding Leadership: Simone Kelly – St Pius X Adamstown
- Excellence in Teaching (Primary): Patricia Murray – St Mary’s Scone
- Excellence in Teaching (Secondary): Tracy Zander – St Pius X Adamstown
- Excellence in Teaching VET: Anne O’Connor – St Joseph’s Lochinvar
- Excellence in First 5 Years of Teaching: Ellen Morgan – St John the Baptist, Maitland
- Excellence in First 5 Years of Teaching: Bradley Hart – St Clare’s High School, Taree
- Excellence in School Support: Julie Nolan St Brigid’s Primary School Raymond Terrace
- Excellence in School Support: Rosa Slattery – St Mary’s Primary School Warners Bay
- Outstanding Leadership: Simone Kelly – St Pius X Adamstown
- Outstanding Leadership: Kristine Lindus- St John the Baptist, Maitland
- Excellence in Community: St James Muswellbrook
- Sisters of St Joseph’s Award: Anne Marie Peebles, St Joseph’s Merriwa
The awards included the Inaugural Sisters of St Joseph’s Award, presented by the Congregational Leader of the Sisters of St Joseph, Sr Lauretta Baker Loretta Baker, who bestowed St Joseph’s Primary School Merriwa Principal Anne Marie Peebles with the honour of being the first recipient describing her as an outstanding leader and someone who leads by example, mentoring others and building capacity of the people around her. Anne Marie has mentored no fewer than 15 Career Teachers throughout her time at St Joseph’s Merriwa.
St James Muswellbrook took home the coveted School Community Award demonstrating excellence in community engagement, parish life, wellbeing and involvement in the wider community.
Congratulations to all the winners for their achievement.
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