What’s Happening?
Toowoomba Catholic Schools recognised the work and expertise of its staff during the annual Excellence Awards on 30 July.
The event celebrated employees who have shown strong commitment, leadership and service within Catholic education. Honourees came from schools and offices across the Toowoomba Diocese, reflecting the many roles supporting students and families.
Why It Matters
The awards recognise staff whose daily work makes a lasting difference to students, families and colleagues. They also celebrate the care, professionalism and leadership that support Catholic school communities across the diocese.
Executive Director Dr Pat Coughlan said staff were central to the quality and character of Toowoomba Catholic Schools.
“The passionate and committed staff are our greatest strength and a big part of what makes our invitation to families so appealing and distinctive,” Dr Coughlan said. “The Excellence Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate those who lead with integrity, serve their communities with generosity and contribute to a culture of continuous educational renewal and reform.”
Dr Coughlan said this year’s recipients represented the values and mission that guide Catholic education throughout the region.
“Across our schools, we see people creating environments where students feel supported, inspired and empowered to reach their full potential,” he said. “Their commitment helps shape thriving school communities and ensures our students receive outstanding educational experiences.”
Local Impact
St Saviour’s Primary School principal Sam Hannant received the School Leadership Award within the Excellence in Leadership category. He was recognised for decisive leadership and his commitment to improving student outcomes and school culture.
Under Mr Hannant’s leadership, St Saviour’s has strengthened its classroom practices and adopted a whole-school approach to learning support. The school has also built closer collaboration around student learning, pastoral care and belonging.
His leadership of Catholic identity, grounded in Mercy values, has helped create a welcoming school community. This work supports an environment where every student can feel safe, valued and supported to flourish. Mr Hannant said the award reflected the shared contribution of staff, students and families at St Saviour’s.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, students and families who work together every day to create a positive and inclusive school culture,” Mr Hannant said.
“I am privileged to work alongside a team of educators who are committed to providing the best possible outcomes for every student. One of the greatest rewards of school leadership is seeing young people grow in confidence and work hard to achieve their full potential.”
By The Numbers
- Almost 100 nominations were submitted from schools and offices across the Toowoomba Diocese, reflecting the broad contribution of staff.
- Eight award categories recognised achievements across education support, teaching and learning, and school leadership.
- Four recipients represented Toowoomba schools, while Roma had two recipients and Oakey and Stanthorpe each had one.
Zoom In
Awards were presented across three main areas, covering eight individual categories.
Excellence in Education Support
- Teaching and learning support: Elizabeth Smith, St Monica’s School, Oakey
- Administration, finance and facilities support: Sarah Raftery, St Saviour’s College, Toowoomba
Excellence in Teaching and Learning
- Early career teacher: Brook Marquart, St John’s School, Roma
- Primary and kindergarten expert teacher: Sandra Rosentreter, Holy Name Primary School, Toowoomba
- Secondary expert teacher: Mandy Goodman, St Joseph’s College, Toowoomba
Excellence in Leadership
- Emerging leadership: Nicole Southee, St John’s School, Roma
- Middle leadership: Joseph Shorter, St Joseph’s School, Stanthorpe
- School and kindergarten leadership: Sam Hannant, St Saviour’s Primary School, Toowoomba
Zoom Out
Together, the recipients show how classroom teaching, student support, administration and leadership contribute to strong Catholic school communities. The awards also recognise the combined effort required to provide meaningful educational experiences across a large regional diocese.
Dr Coughlan congratulated Mr Hannant alongside every finalist and recipient recognised during the annual event.
“Each recipient and finalist represents the best of Toowoomba Catholic Schools through their professionalism, care and commitment to others,” he said. “We thank them for their service and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”
What To Look For Next?
The recipients will continue their work across classrooms, offices and leadership teams throughout the Toowoomba Diocese. Their recognition may also encourage colleagues to keep improving learning, pastoral care and school culture.
Future Excellence Awards will provide another chance to recognise staff making a lasting contribution to students, families and Catholic education.
