On Friday 30 May, the Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle community gathered at NEX, Newcastle, to celebrate excellence in Catholic education.
The evening opened with the presentation of the 25 Years of Service Awards, recognising staff members who have dedicated a quarter of a century to Catholic education. These awards were presented by Bishop Michael Kennedy and Director of Catholic Schools Jacqueline Wilkinson.
Next, the Emmaus Awards honoured staff who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the mission of Catholic education in the Diocese.
A highlight of the night was the presentation of the Sisters of St Joseph Education Award, which recognises leadership in faith, equity and justice.
The celebrations also recognised the Diocese’s broader commitment to excellence in learning and teaching, grounded in the values of fairness, professionalism, and respect.
Top-performing students from across the Diocese were also acknowledged, with Jacqueline Wilkinson and the wider community congratulating them on their exceptional academic results. Meg Southcombe, former School Captain of St Joseph’s Catholic College Aberdeen, delivered the keynote address, sharing her passionate advocacy for youth mental health, equitable education, and greater representation for rural communities.
Congratulations to all award recipients:
HSC Awards
Diocesan Dux
Anya Bacic Wilson – St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Studies of Religion I
Sebastian Kalarickal – St Francis Xavier College, Hamilton
Studies of Religion II
Anya Bacic Wilson – St Francis Xavier College, Hamilton
Top in State Award
13th Place in NSW for Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
Aisling Vickers – St Francis Xavier College, Hamilton
Vocational Education and Training Student of the Year 2024
Amelia Sternbeck – St Catherine’s College, Singleton
Outstanding Academic Achievement Award
Alexander Fox – St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Emilie Coyte – St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Amy Mather – St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Samuel Edwards – St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Cecilia Vo – St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Dominic Maretich – St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Faith Rafferty – St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar
Ashton Blake – St Joseph’s High School, Aberdeen
Anya Bacic Wilson – St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Emmaus Award Recipients
First Five Years of Teaching
Ryan Kooyman
Liam Bleakley
Gabie Madden
Innovation
Lisa Eaton
Excellence in Teaching
Jeanette Chapman (Primary)
Tracey Flack (Secondary)
Vocational Education Teaching
Simon Ramage
Sisters of Joseph Lochinvar Award
Elizabeth Stokes
School Support
Luke Nolan
Leonie Potter
Angela Samuels
Leadership
Marie Butel-Simoes
Catholic School Community
St Clare’s High School, Taree
25 Years of Service Award Recipients
Geraldine Blake
Jodie Bowd
Matthew Bower
Shane Cleaver
Mary-Jean Cooper
Cameron Dilley
John Gallop
Megan Hunt
Karen Johnson
Kathryn Johnson
Alberta Kauter
Janice Lawrence
Dianne Lawrence
Shannon McGregor
Samantha Middleton
Nikki Norley
Karen-Lee Osborn
Elizabeth Quinlan
Lisa Reid
Timothy Rohr
Anne Rollason
Emma Russell
Daniel Ryan
Rina Scarcella
Anthony Snaddon
Elizabeth Starling
Lara Sullivan
Tania Thompson
Narelle Vandermaat
Kirsty Williams
