By Dominique Tassell
Local teaching was celebrated at Toowoomba Catholic Schools’ annual Excellence Awards, held on 2 November.
The awards identify and showcase practitioners who model, demonstrate and live excellence in their roles, all day, every day. This year close to 100 nominations from across the Toowoomba Diocese were received.
St Joseph’s School in Stanthorpe was honoured with two finalists, one of those being the teachers involved in the eLearning collective.
Deputy principal Matthew Brown said the eLearning collective was formed as part of an initiative to provide greater opportunity for students in rural schools to access a wider variety of specialised senior subjects that are not always able to be offered.
“Mary (and Tyron Fraser at Our Lady Dalby) have been instrumental in developing and implementing a hybrid learning environment that enable students across the two schools in accessing Modern History and Legal Studies.
“For St Joseph’s, Mary delivers Modern History to students onsite at our school as well as virtually to students in Dalby.
“Periodically we bring the students together for face-to-face collaboration to consolidate learning and build the relationships between students and teacher.
“Tyron reciprocates this for students at our school for Legal Studies.
“It is a wonderful initiative, driven by the passion of both Mary and Tyron in seeing students experience success in their learning, and the award is a great recognition of the exceptional teachers both Mary and Tyron are.“
St Joseph’s School Principal Andrew Kendall said everyone nominated was very deserving of this.
“I am very thankful for the wonderful work they and all our staff do,“ he said. “The number of finalists from St. Joey’s is indicative of the success of the school and the good work our staff do across the diocese.“
Another of the award recipients from St Joseph’s was Lisa McPherson a Chemistry, Physics, Science and Maths teacher.
Ms McPherson was awarded the Excellence in teaching and learning – Secondary Expert Teacher award for 2022.
Ms McPherson’s dedication to her craft is infectious and her enthusiasm for Science and Maths education is unrivalled.
Toowoomba Catholic Schools stated that “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“.
“Pastoral care and a focus on the well-being of students are also of paramount importance to her and make her a strong advocate and voice for those that need it.
“Contributing beyond the school to the profession, she has presented at conferences, contributed to textbooks, and collaborates with external providers.
“Initiating a Science and Maths Club for students across the school, now run by Senior Science and Maths students, has meant that Ms McPherson’s zeal is now a shared one.
“At the heart of all of this is her desire for the best outcomes for others – staff and students.“
Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director: Catholic Schools said “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.”
“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. ”
“We thank all of our finalists and recognise the invaluable contribution they make to both staff and students’ lives,” said Dr Coughlan.
The awards covered ten categories across three areas. Our local award recipients are listed below.
Excellence in teaching and learning (Recipient)
Secondary expert teacher: Lisa McPherson, Chemistry, Physics, Science and Maths teacher St Joseph’s School, Stanthorpe
eLearning (Recipient)
eLearning collective from Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby, St Joseph’s School, Stanthorpe and the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office – Matthew Brown, Mary Roberts, and Joseph Shorter
Excellence in Leadership (Finalist)
School/Kindergarten Leadership: Sarah Yates
Excellence in Education Support (Finalist)
Teaching and Learning Support: Kim Badcock
